NZ ease to T20 series win over Pakistan

New Zealand have eased to a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in Hamilton to give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in their Twenty20 series.

Chasing Pakistan’s total of 6-163, the Kiwis reached 1-164 with four balls remaining.

Tim Seifert finished on 84 not out from 63 balls having put on an unbeaten 129 with captain Kane Williamson (57 not out).

Tim Southee was named player of the match for his 4-21 in Pakistan’s innings but Mohammad Hafeez was the star turn with the bat, hitting 99 not out off just 57 balls in an innings that included five sixes.

“It was a good surface, good for the bowlers but obviously if you could build partnerships you could get there,” Williamson said.

New Zealand was reinforced Sunday by the return of four members of its Test squad, including Williamson, who missed the first match of the series.

Williamson also missed the second Test against the West Indies due to the birth of his first child.

Southee, Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson also returned, giving New Zealand an all-new pace attack.

The final match on Tuesday is now a dead rubber.