Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, found himself in the spotlight for an unfortunate reason during the second T20I against New Zealand in Dunedin. After starting the bowling innings with a brilliant maiden over, Shaheen was taken apart in his next over by New Zealand’s Tim Seifert, equaling an unwanted national record for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
In a rain-affected encounter on a bouncy Dunedin pitch, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, contributions from captain Agha Salman, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo helped Pakistan post 135/9 in 15 overs.
Shaheen’s Expensive Spell and Seifert’s Onslaught
Shaheen Afridi, who opened the bowling alongside Mohammad Ali, initially looked sharp. However, after bowling a maiden over, he was brutally punished by Tim Seifert in his second over:
Seifert smashed four sixes in the over, scoring 26 runs – the most Shaheen has ever conceded in a single T20I over.
This surpassed his previous worst over of 24 runs against New Zealand in Auckland (2024).
The four sixes also tied him with other Pakistani bowlers for the most sixes conceded in a single over in T20I history.
Pakistani Bowlers Who Have Conceded Four Sixes in a Single T20I Over
Faheem Ashraf (vs South Africa, Lahore, 2021)
Mohammad Sami (vs Australia, St. Lucia, 2010)
Shaheen Afridi (vs New Zealand, Dunedin, 2025)
New Zealand’s Comfortable Chase
Despite Shaheen recovering with a tidy 11th over, conceding just five runs, the damage had already been done. Tim Seifert (45 off 22 balls) and Finn Allen (38 off 16 balls) ensured New Zealand was in complete control early in the chase.
Pakistan Faces Must-Win Match in Auckland
With this loss, New Zealand has taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Pakistan must now win the third T20I in Auckland on March 21 to stay alive in the series and avoid a series defeat.
Stay tuned for more updates and match analysis from Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand 2025.
