NZ vs PAK 2nd T20: After a dominant performance in the first T20 at Christchurch, where they secured a resounding 9-wicket victory with 54 balls to spare, New Zealand has taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20 series. The hosts are now gearing up to face Pakistan in the second T20, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, at the University Oval in Dunedin.
New Zealand will look to build on their momentum and move closer to sealing the series with a 2-0 advantage. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be eager to end their winless streak against New Zealand in 2025. So far, New Zealand has triumphed in all three encounters between the two sides this year, all of which were ODIs. This match presents a critical opportunity for Pakistan to turn the tide and make their mark in the series. Ahead of the NZ vs PAK 2nd T20, check out the University Oval, Dunedin pitch report.
University Oval Dunedin pitch report
The pitch at the University Oval in Dunedin is known to offer a fair balance between bat and ball, making it an intriguing venue for cricket matches. Typically, the surface tends to be supportive of batters during the early stages of the game. With a consistent bounce and good pace, batters can play their strokes freely, which often leads to high-scoring matches, especially in the first innings.
As the game progresses, the pitch starts to slow down, offering some assistance to bowlers. Spinners, in particular, become more effective on this surface as it begins to take turn. Pacers who are skilled at varying their pace and lengths can also exploit the conditions as the match unfolds, creating challenges for the batting side.
In T20Is, the average first-innings score at this venue hovers around 165, with teams often aiming to post competitive totals. Historical data suggests that sides batting first have a better record at Dunedin, with most victories coming from defending targets. However, the surface’s characteristics ensure an even contest, keeping both batters and bowlers in the game.
NZ vs PAK 2nd T20 playing XIs (Probable)
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (w), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (w), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Ali, and Abrar Ahmed.
