Pakistan suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat in the first Twenty20 match against New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday, failing to defend a modest total of 91 runs. The visitors got off to a disastrous start in the five-match series, collapsing to 11-4 within the first five overs as New Zealand’s towering paceman Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with the new ball.
Pakistan was eventually bowled out for their lowest T20 score on New Zealand soil, and the hosts comfortably chased down the target, reaching 92-1 in just 10.1 overs.
Jamieson was the standout performer for New Zealand, taking three of the first four wickets and finishing with impressive figures of 3-8 from four overs. His new-ball partner, Jacob Duffy, also delivered a career-best performance, claiming 4-14 off 3.4 overs to clean up the tail.
Pakistan’s batting lineup never recovered from the early collapse after being sent in to bat on a lively Hagley Oval pitch. Only three players managed to reach double figures. Captain Salman Agha contributed 18 runs, forming a 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Khushdil Shah, who top-scored with 32 off 30 balls, including three sixes. Jahandad Khan added 17 runs at a run-a-ball before the innings concluded with eight balls remaining.
This total marked Pakistan’s lowest T20 score in New Zealand, surpassing their previous low of 101 all out during a 95-run loss in Wellington in 2016.
In response, New Zealand’s opener Tim Seifert set the tone with a brisk 44 off 29 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. Finn Allen (29) and Tim Robinson (18) completed the chase with ease, sealing the victory on the first ball of the 11th over.
The second match of the series is scheduled to take place in Dunedin on Tuesday.
