New Zealand completely dominated Pakistan in the first T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The Kiwi bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, restricting them to just 91 runs. Pakistan couldn’t even complete their 20 overs, getting bowled out in 18.4 overs.
Pakistan’s Embarrassing Performance
Khushdil Shah was the highest scorer for Pakistan with 32 runs. For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy took four wickets, Kyle Jamieson claimed three, Ish Sodhi picked up two, and Zachary Foulkes took one. Pakistan handed debuts to Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, and Mohammad Ali, but none of them could make a significant impact.
Lowest T20I Score Against New Zealand
This was Pakistan’s lowest-ever T20I total against New Zealand. For the first time, all 11 Pakistani batters combined failed to score even 100 runs. Their previous lowest total against New Zealand in T20Is was 101 runs, recorded in 2016.
Horrible Start for Pakistan
Pakistan got off to a disastrous start at Hagley Oval. New Zealand bowlers applied pressure right from the beginning. Kyle Jamieson struck early, taking three wickets and breaking Pakistan’s batting backbone. Mohammad Haris got out for a duck, while Irfan Khan managed only one run.
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Poor Performances from Key Players
Debutant Hasan Nawaz was dismissed on his second ball by Jacob Duffy. Shadab Khan also failed to make an impact, scoring just three runs before getting out to Jamieson. Pakistan was reeling at 11/4 in 4.4 overs. Captain Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah tried to stabilize the innings with a 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, Ish Sodhi dismissed Agha Salman for 18, breaking the stand. Pakistan was at 57/5 in 11.1 overs.
Khushdil Shah played aggressively, scoring 32 runs, including three sixes. By 15.3 overs, Pakistan was at 80/7. Jahandad Khan scored 17 but was dismissed by Zachary Foulkes. Shaheen Afridi managed just one run, while Abrar Ahmed was out for a duck. Eventually, Pakistan was bowled out for 91 runs in 18.4 overs.