Pakistan batsmen stun the Kiwis in 2nd T20I, Twitter erupts

Team Pakistan had been in the firing range of the cricket pundits and critics for their lackluster show in New Zealand. Playing in the away conditions is never easy. But giving up without putting up a fight is something that puzzled many. The chief cause of concern for the Men in Green and their fans was the batting department. The bowlers often rose to the occasion but the unpredictable batting faltered on most occasions.

After a 0-5 drubbing in the ODIs, the first T20I did not see a change in fortunes for Pakistan either. Had there not been a certain Babar Azam with a gutsy 41, the score would have not crossed the 100-run mark. Amidst this backdrop, the two sides locked horns in the second T20I at Auckland. Much to the amazement of the fans, it was a dramatic turnaround of things in the match. The Pakistani batting seemed to have changed overnight.

Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Ahmed Shehzad took very little time to settle down. As had been the case in the series, the Kiwi bowlers ruled the roost with the new cherry. But it was not to be here. Zaman and Shehzad led the attack against the Kiwi bowlers. They took special liking to Seth Rance as the duo added 94 runs off just 60 deliveries for the first wicket.

Ironically, it was Rance who ended the partnership by dismissing Shehzad on 44 (34). Zaman reached his fifty and perished soon after. His 50 came off just 28 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Two new batsmen were at the crease – Babar Azam and skipper Sarfaraz. Again, they did not waste much time before changing gears. Sarfaraz, who had been under some severe criticism, scored a quick 41 off 24 deliveries.

Faheem Ashraf was the lone failure as he was dismissed for a golden duck. Meanwhile, Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 50 that came off just 29 deliveries with 5 fours and a six. Hasan Ali also chipped in with a boundary in the final over as Pakistan posted a mammoth 201/4 in their stipulated 20 overs.

Here is how the Twitterati reacted to the stupendous Pakistan comeback:

@iamAhmadshahzad kicks off with a good show in Auckland.. 44 off 34 deliveries and ignited the much needed energy and resolve by Pakistan's top order along with Fakhar Zaman.. #NZvPAK #Cricket #T20

— Sawera Pasha (@sawerapasha) January 25, 2018

Fakhar Zaman completes his first half-century in the T20I format. Keep going son ??? pic.twitter.com/MEYXWtEGt9

— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) January 25, 2018

Brilliant start! Shahbash boys! @FakharZamanLive @iamAhmadshahzad #PakvsNz

— Haider Azhar (@HaiderAzhar) January 25, 2018

Fakhar Zaman & @iamAhmadshahzad added 94 runs, which is the highest partnership for any wicket for Pakistan against New Zealand in T20I.
Previous highest was 81 between Ahmed Shehzad & @MHafeez22 on 30 Dec 2010. #NZvPAK #CricketStats pic.twitter.com/eord7lEh6V

— Shahzad Tirmizi Syed (@shahzadtirmizi) January 25, 2018

Lovely Maiden fifty by Fakhar Zaman. Aggression, shots and everything in it.#NZvPAK

— DJ Ahmer Najeeb (@AhmerNajeeb) January 25, 2018

Bohat alla.. @FakharZamanLive finally Fakhar fired up with a quick fire 50 off just 26 deliveries.. Shahbash keep it coming!!! #NzvPAK #Cricket #T20

— Sawera Pasha (@sawerapasha) January 25, 2018

Well done #AhmedShehzad!
Fine, fine effort considering the pressure etc#NZvPAK

— Emmad Hameed (@Emmad81) January 25, 2018

Babar Azam in his foktos at last. Wonderful straight drives…#NZvPAK

— DJ Ahmer Najeeb (@AhmerNajeeb) January 25, 2018

Finally, #BabarAzam hits a 6s. Lagta hai egss and fish khana start ker dia… he got some power now.

— Muhammad Kashif (@Follow2Kashif) January 25, 2018

Just couldn't have asked for more from a batting perspective
201/4
Awesome work Fakhar, Ahmed, Sarfraz and Babar
Over to you bowling brigade.#NZvPAK

— Emmad Hameed (@Emmad81) January 25, 2018

#NZvPAK what an inning by all top order batsman.

— XwhyZ (@xwhyzpro) January 25, 2018

Faheem Ashraf and short ball. Still a better love story than twilight. #NZvPAK

— Farrukh Aftab (@FarrukhV1) January 25, 2018

Pakistan's opening stands on this tour:

First Six matches – 37 runs off 83 balls
Today – 90 runs off 60 balls#NZvPAK

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) January 25, 2018

Well played @babarazam258 #PaKvNZ

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) January 25, 2018

Going to be a cracker run chase for the @BLACKCAPS going to miss it on the flight ?

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 25, 2018

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