Dunedin, Mar 18 (UNI) New Zealand registered a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20I at the University Oval here on Tuesday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

In a rain-curtailed encounter reduced to 15 overs per side, Pakistan, after being put in to bat for the second successive time, managed to post 135 for nine. Captain Salman Ali Agha top-scored with a 28-ball 46, laced with four boundaries and three sixes. Shadab Khan (26 off 14 balls, 2x4s, 2x6s) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (22 not out off 14 balls, 2x4s, 1x6) also made crucial contributions.

New Zealand bowlers produced a disciplined effort, with Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, and James Neesham claiming two wickets each to restrict the visitors to a modest total.

Chasing 136, the hosts got off to a flying start courtesy of a blistering 66-run opening partnership between Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Seifert struck a 22-ball 45, including three fours and five sixes, while Allen smashed 38 off just 16 balls, hitting one four and five sixes. Despite a few hiccups, New Zealand comfortably reached the target in 13.1 overs, losing five wickets.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 20 in three overs.

With this win, New Zealand have strengthened their grip on the series. The two teams will now face off in the third T20I at Eden Park in Auckland on March 21.

Scores in brief: New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets at University Oval, Dunedin

Pakistan 135-9, 15 overs (Salman Ali Agha 46, Shadab Khan 26, Shaheen Shah Afridi 22 not out; Ish Sodhi 2-17, Jacob Duffy 2-20, Ben Sears 2-23, James Neesham 2-26)

New Zealand 137-5, 13.1 overs (Tim Seifert 45, Finn Allen 38, Mitchell Hay 21 not out; Haris Rauf 2-20)

Player of the Match: Tim Seifert (New Zealand).

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