AUCKLAND, JAN 25 (DNA) -: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 48 runs in the second T20 in Auckland Thursday to level the series and score their first win of the tour over the Black Caps.

The visitors set an imposing target of 202 thanks to half-centuries from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, then bowled out New Zealand for 153 with nine balls to spare.

Pakistan made 201 for four in the second T20 against New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park on Thursday.

Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman jointly top-scored with 50 apiece for the tourists, while Ben Wheeler was New Zealand’s best bowler with two for 36.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss  and elected to bat  in the second Twenty20 against New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park on Thursday.

The tourists are down 1-0 and looking to reverse a form slump to keep the three-match series alive.

“It looks a good batting pitch so hopefully we can come up with a good score then defend it,” captain Sarfraz Ahmed said.

“I’ve just told the boys ‘play your natural game, don’t worry about the result, we have nothing to lose’.”

Pakistan recalled opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad in a bid to make a strong start as they chase their first win on tour against the Black Caps.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson returns for the hosts after missing the first match with a thigh strain.

Trent Boult is also back alongside rookie paceman Ben Wheeler, while Tim Southee is rested.

The three-match series will finish in Tauranga on Sunday.

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Bruce, Glenn Phillips, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ben Wheeler, Ish Sodhi, Seth Rance, Trent Boult.