'Extraordinary' bowling sets up New Zealand win over Pakistan

New Zealand moved into a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, with Jacob Duffy (2-20), Ben Sears (2-23), James Neesham (2-26) and Ish Sodhi (2-17) playing key roles.

With stand-in captain Bracewell having decided to bowl in the first innings of an encounter that was shortened to 15 overs per side due to rain, the Black Caps' bowlers stood up to be counted.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha scored 46, but only Shadab Khan (26) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (22 not out) offered any meaningful support as the tourists were restricted to 135-9 in Dunedin.

That paved the way for New Zealand's openers to do the damage with a 66-run partnership – Tim Seifert plundered 45 from 22 deliveries while Finn Allen struck 38 from 16.

Haris Rauf took an impressive 2-20 as Pakistan fought back, but it was to no avail as Mitchell Hay (21 not out) and Bracewell (five not out) guided New Zealand to victory with 11 balls to spare.

A rollicking 66-run opening partnership from Tim Seifert (45 off 22) and Finn Allen (38 off 16) sets the tone for a successful chase in Dunedin. Catch-up on all scores | https://t.co/C8ZufgA23i #NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/2eiC9RBl8u

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 18, 2025

Bracewell said: "The bowling was extraordinary, first of all. The guys bowling into the wind today bowled particularly well and kept them to a score which we're pretty happy with.

"It's a pretty small ground here, and it was very tough bowling into that wind. It was very strong.

"We aimed to target the downwind overs and sort of just take in a little bit with the wind, but it was great to watch, and they really knocked the back off that chase.

"We've been playing some really good cricket so far, so we just want to continue what we're doing. And we're pretty happy with where things are at, like the guys are hitting the ball nicely and bowling really well, so we just want to continue."

Agha said there were positives to take despite Pakistan now needing to win all three remaining matches to triumph in the series.

"It was freezing, but it was a good game," he said. "It was a better game than the last game, a lot of positives, but obviously, work to do.

"I think we've batted a bit better within this game, but it would still need to be a better finish as well, fielding was outstanding, and bowling in patches was good, but we need to be a bit more consistent.

"As soon as we need to understand that the bounce is different when we adjust that bounce, I think we will be a better team."