Sobering Record Made in Pakistan’s 1st T20 Against Kiwis

Key points

• In 2018, Australia chased Pakistan’s 117 with 55 balls to spare
• Pakistan’s worst loss while batting second also came against the BlackCaps

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan suffered a record loss in the first match of their T20I series against New Zealand today (March 16) in Christchurch.

Pakistan took to the field with a revamped top order, omitting veterans Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam from the squad. However, their innings got off to a disastrous start, as Mohammad Haris, recalled to the team, and debutant Hassan Nawaz, opening the batting, were both dismissed for ducks, according to Cricinfo.

Unable to recover from the early blows, the visitors were bowled out for just 91, with Jacob Duffy (4-14) and Kyle Jamieson (3-8) leading the charge for New Zealand.

The home team chased down the target with ease, losing only Tim Seifert (44 off 29 balls). New Zealand comfortably reached the low target with nine wickets in hand and 59 balls to spare.

Previous biggest defeats

This was Pakistan’s heaviest defeat in a men’s T20I, with 59 balls remaining.

Their previous lowest margin came in a tri-series match in Harare in 2018, when Australia successfully chased 117 with 55 balls to spare.

Coincidentally, Pakistan’s largest loss while batting second also came against the BlackCaps, in Wellington in 2016. Chasing New Zealand’s 196-5, Pakistan was bowled out for 101 in 16.1 overs, suffering a record 95-run defeat.

Pakistan’s worst men’s T20I defeats

Batting first (in terms of balls remaining)

Batting second (in terms of runs)