Pakistan has lost the second T20 against New Zealand by 21 runs at Seddon Park, Hamilton, but there was not a single moment when the spectators get bored.
Batters of both sides played blistering knocks allowing the camera to capture out of the park moments during the match.
In today match, Pakistani team skipper Shaheen Afridi decided to field first after wining the toss—a move that is being both criticized and appreciated by the cricket experts.
Finn Allen, the Kiwis opener, played a rapid innings of 74 runs on just 41 balls by hitting seven fours and five sixes. Rest of the batters also contributed to a 194-run total of the New Zealand with their smashing and hard-hitting batting.
Shaheens who could not get timely wickets in the start however managed to have a tight grip on the Kiwis in the last five overs thanks to Haris Rauf who took three wickets in the 19th over.
All eyes were on the stylish opener Saim Ayub when he opened the inning for Pakistan for chasing the 195-run target, but he faltered on Tim Southe bowl and got caught by Allen on square leg.
It was a good set up by NZ skipper Kane Williamson who brought Tim Southe for the first over and kept one fielder outside the circle on square leg luring Saim Ayub to play his favourite pull short in that particular area.
Mohammad Rizwan followed the suit and Pakistan lost its both openers within the first overs for just 10 runs.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman brought Pakistan back into the game hitting and smashing every other ball to the ropes. Fakhar was sent to the pavilion by Adam Milne on 50 runs that he scored in just 24 balls with help of 5 sixes and 3 fours.
He had 87-run partnership with Babar Azam who scored 66 runs on 43 balls but failed to receive any support from middle order that collapsed within no time.
The collapse of the middle order included Iftikhar Ahmed (4 off 8), Azam Khan (2 off 3), and Aamer Jamal (9 off 8) played a critical role in Pakistan’s defeat.
At the end of the game, the spectators took good memories with them of a T20 game that has become a new normal in the international cricketing arena.
