New Zealand 149 for 1 (Seifert 66*, Allen 29*, Abrar 1-29) beat Pakistan 91 (Khushdil 32, Duffy 4-14, Jamieson 3-8) by nine wickets
Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat as they were bowled out for just 91, their lowest-ever T20I total in New Zealand, handing the hosts an easy nine-wicket victory in Christchurch to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
New Zealand's Jacob Duffy (4-14) and Kyle Jamieson (3-8) dismantled Pakistan's inexperienced batting lineup after the visitors chose a risky new approach, leaving out regular stars. The innings began disastrously, with Mohammad Haris and debutant Hasan Nawaz dismissed without scoring, reducing Pakistan to 0 for 2. Soon, the visitors collapsed further to 11 for 4, facing their lowest-ever T20I total in New Zealand.
Khushdil Shah (32) and captain Salman Agha temporarily steadied Pakistan, utilizing some fortune to stitch together a recovery. However, both fell in quick succession, ending hopes of a substantial total.
Chasing just 92, New Zealand cruised comfortably, powered by Tim Seifert's unbeaten 66 and Finn Allen's quickfire contribution. Despite Abrar Ahmed removing Seifert’s opening partner early, the chase never faltered. Allen and Seifert swiftly wrapped up victory with almost half the overs remaining.
The crushing defeat marked Pakistan's lowest-ever T20 total in New Zealand, highlighting the risks associated with their experimental batting lineup.
CricRadio
