NZ vs PAK: Learnt how to pace the innings with experience, says Tim Seifert

Tim Seifert played a crucial role in guiding New Zealand past the finishing line in the second T20I against Pakistan. With this victory, the hosts lead 2-0 and have sealed the three match T20 series. Tim Seifert scored a match winning knock of 84 runs and was assisted by captain, Kane Williamson who scored 57 runs to help the Kiwis chase down a target of 164 runs with nine wickets to spare.

Tim Southee was awarded the man of the match for bagging four wickets in the second T20I against Pakistan. Seifert stated that it was not an easy wicket to bat on and praised the Pakistani bowlers for bowling well during the slog overs.

“We probably let them a bit late there but they bowled well and it was the kind of wicket that changed a little bit in the end, but at the end we got the job done,” he said in the presser. “They have a good bowling line-up, especially on that wicket, it kind of popped on a good length, so it was tough when you bowled in those good areas, but they got good pace which sometimes came in your favour. On the whole they are a good bowling (unit),” said Seifert.

Seifert also praised Martin Guptill for giving the hosts a quick start and during a time when the passage of play was tricky, Williamson’s experience proved to be of vital importance. “It was a good start from Guptill as well. I mean Powerplay is big in chases like that and Kane came in, there was a tricky little period when he came in. But in T20 cricket, if you ride (through it), the tough period could be one, two overs, that one good bowler. And then Kane came in and scored runs,” he said.

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Little changes in my batting have all helped: Seifert

Tim Seifert stated that little changes in his batting have helped him pace his innings better. He is known to experiment a bit with his shots, including the ramp and scoop shots. “I have learnt with experience, obviously not doing well in the last series, when to play those shots (ramp), when to go hard, what bowlers to attack. While playing those 360 degree shots, if you’re not 100 percent… it is learning to pull out, learning to play a normal shot. Just little things like that have all helped,” he said.

New Zealand have followed a policy if squad rotation during the home summer. Jacob Duffy made his debut against Pakistan in the first T20I and picked up four wickets. Tim Southee and Kane Williamson returned for the second T20I and were quite instrumental in guiding the hosts to a victory.

“It is awesome to see Duffy doing well… and those guys who had a break, coming and performing for the team that we have got… we don’t just rely on one bowler, as is the case with the batting, we have a good batting (unit) at the moment,” Seifert added.