New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, registered a comprehensive victory by nine wickets with 59 balls to spare against Pakistan in the opening match of five-T20I series. Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled at Hagley Oval, Christchurch against New Zealand's new ball bowlers. Pakistan were bowled out for 91, their lowest T20I score in New Zealand. The hosts were clinical in the run chase as they did not allow Pakistan to make a comeback.
Kiwi pacers dominate powerplay overs
Pakistan went with three debutants in the game. Asked to bat first, Pakistan openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz departed without opening their account. Kyle Jamieson struck thrice with the new ball. Irfan Khan and Shadab Khan were dismissed cheaply as well. Pakistan had 14 runs on the board after powerplay overs. Khushdil Shah and captain Salman Agha tried to build a partnership after getting early reprieves.
Pakistan crumble after poor start
Ish Sodhi broke the partnership with Salman's wicket (20-ball 18). Then Jacob Duffy came back into the attack and dismissed Khushdil Shah who top-scored with 32 runs from 30 balls. In the slog overs, Jahanad Khan tried to put up a fight but Duffy bagged a four-fer as Pakistan were bowled out for 91 in 18.4 overs. Jamieson conceded just eight runs in his four overs. Duffy bowled 3.4 overs and conceded 14 runs to take four wickets.
Easy run chase for New Zealand
After a couple of quiet overs in the run chase, Tim Seifert broke free with three fours off Shaheen Afridi. Seifert used the powerplay overs well. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed broke the partnership with Seifert's wicket. He scored 44 runs from 29 balls, including seven fours and a six. New Zealand were 53/1 after powerplay overs.
Tim Robinson and Finn Allen did not let spinners Abrar and Shadab dominate. On the first ball of the 11th over, New Zealand finished the run chase. Robinson scored 18 runs from 15 balls. On the other end, Allen remained unbeaten for 29 runs from 17 balls.
The second T20I of the series will be played at University Oval, Dunedin on March 18.