Pakistan faced a 46-run defeat against New Zealand in the first T20I of their five-match series. Despite a commendable half-century by Babar Azam, Pakistan could not chase down New Zealand’s imposing total of 226-8, managing only 180 in 18 overs.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi made an immediate impact by dismissing Devon Conway for a golden duck in the second ball of the opening over.
Finn Allen, the other opening batter, had a brisk start (34, 15b, 3x4s, 3x6s) but was caught by Aamir Jamal, giving Abbas Afridi his maiden T20I wicket. Within five overs, New Zealand found themselves at 50-2.
The turning point for New Zealand came with an explosive third-wicket partnership between Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, amassing 78 runs.
Abbas Afridi broke the partnership by dismissing Williamson, who had notched up his 18th T20I half-century (57, 42b, 9x4s). Mitchell continued the assault, completing his own half-century with a blazing 27-ball-61, including four boundaries and as many maximums.
For his impressive batting performance, Mitchell was rightfully named the player of the match. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abbas Afridi both claimed three wickets, while Haris Rauf contributed with two.
In response, Pakistan’s innings began with a flying start, thanks to the left-handed opening batter Saim Ayub, who scored a quick 27 off 8 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes.
However, the momentum was short-lived as Ayub was run out by Adam Milne. Mohammad Rizwan (25, 14b, 2x4s, 2x6s) followed suit, caught by Conway off Tim Southee’s bowling, bringing Pakistan to 63-2 within the powerplay.
Fakhar Zaman contributed a swift 15 from 10 balls before falling victim to Ish Sodhi. Iftikhar Ahmed added 24 from 17, including one four and two sixes, before being caught by Sodhi on Southee’s bowling.
Adam Milne’s double breakthrough in one over removed Azam Khan and Shaheen, deepening the trouble for the visitors. In the subsequent over, right-arm pacer Ben Sears claimed the prized wicket of Babar Azam, who departed after a valiant half-century (57, 35b, 6x4s, 2x6s).
Tim Southee, in the 18th over, not only removed Abbas but also reached a significant milestone by completing 150 wickets in T20Is, the most by any bowler in the history of the format.
With his fourth wicket of the day in the same over, Southee dismissed Pakistan for 180. Supporting Southee were pacers Sears and Milne, who each accounted for two wickets, and leg-spinner Sodhi, who picked up one.
Looking ahead, the second T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled for January 14, 2024, at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The cricketing action is set to commence at 1110 PKT, with the toss anticipated at 1040 PKT. Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series in what promises to be another exciting encounter.
