New Zealand Dominate as Pakistan Falter in First T20I
New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, defeating Pakistan by nine wickets at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Sunday. A disciplined bowling effort and a commanding display by their openers sealed a one-sided victory for the hosts.
Pakistan’s Batting Woes Continue
After being sent in to bat, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed to 91 all out, unable to cope with New Zealand’s pace and spin attack.
- Kyle Jamieson (3 wickets) rattled the top order, dismissing Mohammad Haris and Irfan Khan early.
- Debutant Hasan Nawaz fell for a duck, leaving Pakistan at 11-4 in just 4.4 overs.
- Shadab Khan and Agha Salman attempted to steady the innings with a 46-run stand, but their efforts went in vain.
- Khushdil Shah (32) was the only batter to cross 30, before Jacob Duffy (4 wickets) dismissed him in the 13th over.
New Zealand’s bowlers dominated:
- Duffy: 4-0-20-4
- Jamieson: 4-1-13-3
- Sodhi: 4-0-18-2
- Foulkes: 3.4-0-14-1
New Zealand’s Openers Secure Easy Win
Chasing a mere 92, New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen attacked early with a 53-run powerplay partnership.
- Seifert (44 off 29) led the charge before falling to Abrar Ahmed.
- Allen (29) and Tim Robinson (18)** finished the job in 11 overs to complete a crushing win.
Playing XIs
Pakistan
Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand
Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zac Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Pakistan Needs Urgent Fixes
With four matches remaining, Pakistan must regroup to avoid another embarrassing defeat. Can they turn things around in Dunedin?
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