Pakistan faced a humiliating defeat in the first T20I against New Zealand as the hosts effortlessly chased down the 92-run target in just 10.1 overs. The Green Shirts struggled with the bat, registering their lowest T20I total on New Zealand soil, while the Black Caps dominated both with the ball and in their chase.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Sent in to bat on a lively Hagley Oval pitch, Pakistan had a disastrous start. Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with the new ball, reducing the visitors to 11-4 by the fifth over. The towering pacer dismissed three of the top four batters, finishing with 3-8 in four overs.
Pakistan’s middle order failed to recover from the early setback. Captain Salman Ali Agha scored 18 runs, forming a 46-run partnership with Khushdil Shah, who top-scored with 32 off 30 balls, including three sixes. Jahandad Khan added 17 runs before the innings ended with eight balls remaining.
The visitors were bowled out for 91, their lowest T20I score in New Zealand, breaking their previous record of 101 all out in Wellington (2016). Jacob Duffy cleaned up the tail, registering career-best figures of 4-14 in 3.4 overs.
Read: Pakistan Gears Up for T20I Battle Against New Zealand
New Zealand’s Comfortable Chase
New Zealand openers wasted no time in sealing an easy victory. Tim Seifert gave his team a strong start, smashing 44 off 29 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. Finn Allen (29)* and Tim Robinson (18)* guided the team home, completing the chase in the first ball of the 11th over.
The dominant nine-wicket win gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, setting the tone for the upcoming games.
What’s Next?
Pakistan will look to bounce back in the second T20I in Dunedin on March 18. With four more matches left in the series, they have a chance to recover, but improvements are needed in their batting approach and strategy.
Upcoming Matches in the Tour
- March 18 – Second T20I, Dunedin
- March 21 – Third T20I, Auckland
- March 23 – Fourth T20I, Mount Maunganui
- March 26 – Fifth T20I, Wellington
- March 29 – First ODI, Napier
- April 2 – Second ODI, Hamilton
- April 5 – Third ODI, Mount Maunganui
Pakistan must regroup quickly if they hope to turn things around in the series.
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