NZ vs PAK 2025: Dunedin Weather Drama, Bouncy Pitch Test Nerves in Rain-Hit Second T20I

Apr, 19 2025

Rain Hits Dunedin But Cricket Triumphs: How New Zealand Outlasted Pakistan

If you tuned in expecting a washout, the scene at University Oval was a genuine surprise. Forecasts looked gloomy, but Dunedin’s skies held back just enough for the second T20I of the NZ vs PAK 2025 series to go ahead—though not in its full form. With the outfield covered in the early hours and rain causing nerves, umpires chopped the first innings down to 15 overs. That set up a frantic, fast-paced game where every run and mistake grew in impact.

Pakistan, given first strike, found patches of rhythm but couldn’t fully break loose. Captain Salman Agha fought hard with 46 off just 28 rocked. He didn’t find steady partners; wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Shaheen Afridi, often known for his bowling, swung the bat for a late unbeaten 22. But stumbles in the middle saw Pakistan crawl to 135 for 9 — not a bad score for a shortened game, but below what they’d target with batting firepower available.

The conditions helped this drama. The pitch, having been under the covers all morning, played with a spring in its step. There was a hint of extra bounce—a bit unusual for Dunedin, and bowlers from both sides enjoyed the ride early on. The odd ball zipped through, putting batsmen on the defensive. New Zealand’s attack, captained smartly by the stand-in Michael Bracewell, kept things tight, with accurate changes in pace and smart fielding plugging boundaries.

Seifert and Allen Dominate as Pakistan Bowlers Falter

When New Zealand’s chase began, it was clear they had read the conditions well. Tim Seifert looked in a hurry, slamming 45 from just 22 balls. His intent turned the momentum early, smashing boundaries even off deliveries that leapt up uncomfortably. Finn Allen wasn’t far behind, belting 38 off 16—playing with that familiar fearlessness fans have come to expect in T20Is.

The real talking point was the patchy outing from Pakistan’s bowlers. Despite glimpses of menace, with balls shooting off the surface, they lacked consistency. New Zealand’s openers cashed in, finding plenty of gaps and keeping the required rate under control. Even as wickets fell towards the end—thanks to some pressure from Pakistan’s slower bowlers—the result was never in much doubt. A quick, controlled finish took the hosts to 137 for 5 in just over 13 overs. With that, New Zealand built a 2-0 series lead, putting them in the driver’s seat for the rest of the matches.

Bracewell, wearing the captain’s armband with Kane Williamson out, wasn’t shy in his praise for his side. He highlighted not only the team’s bowling but how quickly players adjusted to a wild, unpredictable game. His opposite number, Salman Agha, admitted they’d been outplayed but wanted to take positives before the third T20I.

Rain had threatened to be the headline, but the action on the bouncy Dunedin pitch stole the show. With the next match shifting to Auckland on March 21, expect both teams to tweak their plans—New Zealand chasing a series victory, Pakistan desperate to keep the series alive. If the drama so far is any clue, fans could be in for another rollercoaster.