In the upcoming clash at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand are geared up to lock horns with Pakistan in the second T20I of their three-match series. The Kiwis will enter the contest with a 1-0 lead, having displayed a clinical performance with both bat and ball in the previous encounter at Eden Park.

Pakistan, on the other hand, face an uphill battle after succumbing to a 46-run defeat. The visiting team will aim for redemption and hopes for a turnaround in their performance. As fans gear up for the showdown, keep an eye on three key players who could potentially make a significant impact in the second T20I.

Here are 3 players to watch out for:

Tim Southee 

Tim Southee, who became the first player to reach 150 T20I wickets, played a pivotal role in curbing Pakistan’s momentum with an additional four dismissals. His standout second over, where he outfoxed Mohammad Rizwan with a well-executed slower ball, laid the foundation for his impactful performance. Southee’s crucial wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed during a decisive phase in the chase further highlighted his influence on the game.

Babar Azam

While there were brief contributions from the top six batters, only Babar Azam managed to anchor the innings with an impressive half-century off 33 balls. Despite his efforts, the soaring asking rate, surpassing 14, proved insurmountable. Babar’s departure signalled a downturn for Pakistan, losing the last four wickets in just 11 balls for a meagre seven runs. 

Shaheen Afridi

The commencement of a Shaheen Afridi over always commands attention, and the anticipation heightened as he sported the captain’s armband. Afridi lived up to the expectations, securing a wicket off the second ball as Devon Conway misjudged the pace, edging one into the covers. The following four deliveries showcased Afridi’s mastery, swinging the ball both ways and forcing Kane Williamson into four consecutive dot balls. His potential to make an impact looms large in the upcoming clash, posing a threat to the Kiwis.