New Zealand defeats Pakistan by 21 runs to take a 2-0 series lead

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 21 runs in the second Twenty20 international, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series despite losing their skipper in an innings that collapsed late. The Black Caps failed to build on their first-half innings foundation on Sunday, making 194-8 batting first after being 111-1 after 10 overs. New Zealand's batting skid began when skipper Kane Williamson left after 10 overs due to a stiff hamstring. 

Pakistan likewise faltered in the second part of their innings, being dismissed for 173 in the 20th over. Finn Allen's 74 off 41 balls set the tone for New Zealand's innings early on. When Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman hit half-centuries in an 87-run third-wicket stand, they appeared to be on track to tie the series. Still, Ben Sears, Adam Milne, and Tim Southee all contributed to New Zealand putting the brakes on Pakistan at the close of their innings.