New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to secure a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20I of the five-match series. Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, restricting them to 91 all out, their lowest T20I total in New Zealand. In response, New Zealand chased down the target with ease, reaching 92 for 1 in just over 10 overs.
Pakistan’s New Approach Backfires
With Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan absent from the lineup, Pakistan aimed to experiment with a fresh batting approach. However, the strategy faltered as they were bundled out for 91, marking their fifth-lowest total in T20I history. The match highlighted both the risks and rewards of stepping out of their comfort zone in the shortest format.
Jamieson and Duffy Tear Through Pakistan’s Batting
Making his T20I comeback after nearly two years, Kyle Jamieson set the tone with a wicket maiden, removing Mohammad Haris for a duck. Hasan Nawaz, on debut, soon followed as he edged Duffy to Jamieson at third man, leaving Pakistan reeling at 0 for 2.
Jamieson continued his rampage, dismissing Irfan Khan, reducing Pakistan to 1 for 3—their lowest score at the fall of the third wicket in T20Is. The collapse continued as Tim Robinson pulled off a stunning catch to send back another batter, leaving the scoreboard at a dismal 11 for 4.
Agha and Khushdil Offer Brief Resistance
Pakistan struggled to 14 for 4 at the end of the powerplay but found a brief moment of relief when Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman survived dropped catches. They capitalized on their chances, with Khushdil striking the team’s first six of the innings off Ish Sodhi, followed by back-to-back sixes against Michael Bracewell.
Just as Pakistan seemed to fight back, Agha fell attempting a reverse-sweep, and Duffy returned to remove Khushdil, putting Pakistan at 64 for 6. The lower order failed to offer much resistance as Pakistan folded for 91 in 17.4 overs, registering one of the lowest T20I scores in New Zealand.
Seifert’s Aggression Seals Comfortable Chase
Chasing a modest target, Tim Seifert wasted no time, taking on Mohammad Ali and Shaheen Afridi for multiple boundaries. After letting Finn Allen settle in, Seifert continued his onslaught, smashing a massive six off Abrar Ahmed before the leg-spinner had his revenge, catching Seifert off a carrom ball.
However, by that time, New Zealand had already secured the match. Allen (29) and Robinson* completed the formalities as the hosts wrapped up the chase just one ball after the halfway mark of the innings.
A Statement Win for New Zealand
This emphatic victory reinforced New Zealand’s dominance at home and exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities without their experienced top order. With Jamieson (3-8) and Duffy (4-14) leading the charge, the Black Caps gained an early lead in the series, while Pakistan will need to rethink their batting strategy moving forward.
