In a thrilling second T20I of the five-match series between New Zealand and Pakistan, Tim Seifert delivered a stunning performance against Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi. Playing at the University Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday, March 18, Seifert unleashed a fierce assault, smashing Afridi for 26 runs in a single over.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell led his team to restrict Pakistan to 135 runs in a rain-shortened 15-over match. Shaheen Afridi, known primarily for his bowling, also contributed with the bat, scoring 22 runs off 14 balls toward the end of the innings.
Watch: Tim Seifert Smashes Shaheen Afridi for 26 Runs in His Second Over
Shaheen Afridi started strong, troubling Seifert in the first over and conceding no runs. However, the third over saw Seifert’s explosive batting. The right-handed opener began with back-to-back sixes and finished the over with two more maximums, amassing 26 runs off Afridi’s over. Despite a maiden first over, New Zealand raced to 50 runs in just three overs.
Relive the batting brilliance here:
Seifert has 7 letters, so does Maximum
Tim Seifert took Shaheen Afridi to the cleaners in his second over, smashing four sixes in it #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/F5nFqmo7G6
— FanCode (@FanCode) March 18, 2025
119m six by Tim Seifert against “Eagle” Shaheen Afridi. #PAKvsNZ #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/nuHNlvh7w3
— Field Vision (@FieldVisionIND) March 18, 2025
Shaheen Afridi Dismisses Tim Seifert with an Easy Catch
Pakistan’s Mohammad Ali provided the breakthrough by dismissing Tim Seifert, who had scored 45 runs off 22 balls, including three boundaries and five sixes. Shaheen Afridi took a straightforward catch to remove the dangerous opener. Jahandad Khan also claimed the wicket of Finn Allen, who had scored 38 runs off 16 balls with one boundary and five sixes.
Despite quick wickets in the middle overs, Pakistan couldn’t stop New Zealand’s chase. The home team, led by Bracewell, clinched the victory by five wickets with over 10 balls to spare.
Salman Agha Leads Pakistan’s Batting Charge
Pakistan faced early trouble after being sent in to bat, losing opener Hasan Nawaz for a duck. Skipper Salman Agha played a crucial knock of 46 runs off 28 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, helping stabilize the innings. Shadab Khan added a quick 26 off 14 balls, while Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on 22 off 14.
New Zealand’s bowlers shared the spoils, with four players taking two wickets each. Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham, recalled in place of Tim Robinson and Kyle Jamieson, made significant contributions. Pakistan made a single change, bringing in Haris Rauf for Abrar Ahmed.
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