New Zealand cruised to a commanding nine-wicket win over Pakistan in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Pakistan’s batting line-up was quickly dismantled after being sent in to bat, with the tourists stumbling to a dismal 11-4 by the end of the fifth over. Kyle Jamieson was the standout performer, wreaking havoc with the new ball. He claimed three of the first four wickets, finishing with impressive figures of 3-8 off four overs.
Pakistan’s innings never regained any momentum after that early collapse, and they were eventually bowled out for just 82 runs, their lowest-ever T20I total in New Zealand. The previous lowest score was 101 all out, recorded in a heavy defeat in Wellington in 2016. Jamieson’s new ball partner, Jacob Duffy, also impressed, returning to mop up the tail with career-best T20 figures of 4-14 off 3.4 overs.
Only three Pakistan batters reached double figures. Captain Salman Agha top-scored with 18, and his 46-run partnership with Khushdil Shah (32 off 30 balls, including three sixes) was the highlight of the innings. Jahandad Khan contributed 17 off 17 balls, but it was clear from early on that the total was insufficient to challenge New Zealand.
In response, the hosts made light work of the chase, reaching 92-1 in just 10.1 overs. Tim Seifert led the charge with a blistering 44 off 29 balls, including seven fours and a six. Finn Allen (29*) and Tim Robinson (18*) finished the job comfortably, with New Zealand securing victory on the first ball of the 11th over.
The second match of the series is scheduled for Tuesday in Dunedin.
