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Haris Rauf Returns, Abrar Out As NZ Invite Pakistan To Bat In Dunedin; Check Playing XIs

Debashis Sarangi

NZ won the toss and opted to bowl [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]NZ won the toss and opted to bowl [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

In a significant development, New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second T20I of the ongoing five-match series against Pakistan. The game has been reduced to 15-over per side due to inclement weather conditions. 

According to the revised playing conditions, the powerplay will comprise five overs, and five bowlers can bowl maximum three overs. 

NZ Make 2 Changes, Pakistan Bring Haris Rauf Back

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell won the toss, and, as expected, opted to field first. The hosts have made two significant changes, replacing Kyle Jamieson and Tim Robinson with Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham, respectively. 

Meanwhile, after a disastrous defeat in Christchurch, Pakistan have brought Haris Rauf back into their playing XI. Ace spinner Abrar Ahmed makes room for the fast bowler. With overcast conditions prevailing at the venue, the Pakistani team management might've decided to go with an all-pacer attack. 

NZ Playing XI

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell (c), Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears

PAK Playing XI

Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Agha Salman (c), Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan (vc), Muhammad Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali

PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I: Captains' Thoughts

Michael Bracewell (New Zealand captain): "We will be going to have a bowl. The pitch has been under covers, so there might be something in it. The same template worked for us in the last game too. There does not seem to be any more rain around. Hopefully we will have whole 15 overs. We have a couple of changes. Kyle Jamieson and Tim Robinson are sitting out. Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham come in."

Agha Salman (Pakistan Captain): "Yeah, we know we have to do a bit today. When you come to New Zealand, you know there will be extra bounce. You have to adjust to it. All are very talented. We have experience now. We are looking forward to this game. We have one change. Haris Rauf comes in place of Abrar."