New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the second Twenty20 International at the University Oval in Logan Park, Dunedin.

The toss, scheduled for 1:45pm local time, was delayed by persistent rain.

The Green Shirts are currently in New Zealand for a five-match Twenty20 International series. They endured a tough start to the series and suffered a nine-wicket defeat in the opening match at Christchurch on Sunday.

The first game exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities, particularly in batting, as debutants Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad struggled, scoring 0 and 7, respectively.

Apart from Khushdil Shah, who contributed 32 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup showed little resistance in front of New Zealand’s bowlers. Similarly, their bowling lacked intensity, prompting potential changes in the middle order for the second encounter.

Batting first, Pakistan crumbled under pressure against New Zealand’s pacers Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson, who reduced them to 1/3 within the first 2.2 overs.

The situation further worsened when vice-captain Shadab Khan fell for just three runs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 11/4 in 4.4 overs.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha and all-rounder Khushdil Shah attempted to stabilise the innings with a 46-run stand for the fifth wicket. However, their partnership was cut short when Agha was dismissed in the 12th over, followed by Shah in the next.

Agha managed 18 off 20 balls, while Shah top-scored for Pakistan with a 30-ball 32, featuring three sixes.

The wickets’ collapse continued as the Green Shirts were eventually bowled out for a below-par 91 in 18.4 overs.

With a walkover in sight, New Zealand chased down the target with ease, losing just one wicket and reaching the target with 59 balls to spare.

Reacting to their humiliating loss against New Zealand in the first T20I, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted to the team falling short of what was required of them and that they had not been at their best.

“It was difficult, we weren’t up to the mark, but we need to regather (ahead of Dunedin). They bowled really well, in great areas, there was a bit of seam movement as well. We will sit down, have a chat and think about the next game,” he said in a post-match press conference while terming the defeat hard to digest.

His remarks came after the Green Shirts suffered a nine-wicket loss against the Black Caps in the series opener as the hosts easily chased down their 92-run target.

Expressing his views, Agha praised the performances of Pakistan’s debutants in the match, highlighting their potential.

“We had three debutants, the more games they play, they’ll learn more. The new ball does a bit in New Zealand, we’ve got good bowlers and we’ll look to do well in the next match,” he said.

Pakistan’s probable XI for the second T20I:

Salman Ali AGHA (C), Mohammad Haris (wk), omair bin Youssuf, muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, abdul Samad, khushdil shah, har Rauf/abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed.