New Zealand won the toss after a delay and opted to bowl in the second Twenty20 cricket international against Pakistan. The match was shortened to 15 overs per innings.
The toss was originally set for 1:45 p.m. local time but was postponed by nearly 90 minutes as ground staff attended to damp patches on the University Oval.
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New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell was pleased to bowl first on a pitch that appeared fresh after being covered.
The home side made two changes, bringing in fast bowler Ben Sears for Kyle Jamieson, who had claimed 3-8 in the first match that New Zealand won by nine wickets, and replacing Tim Robinson with Jimmy Neesham.
Pakistan made one change as well, with Haris Rauf coming in for Abrar Ahmed.
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Despite losing the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha remained confident.
“When you come to New Zealand, you expect extra bounce,” he said. “We have prepared for that and are ready.”