AUCKLAND: New Zealand has won by 46 runs against Pakistan in in the first T20I match at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday. Despite a dazzling start provided by Saim Ayub’s amazing knock as the left-handed batsman scored 27 off just 8, the Green Shirts crumbled in their chase and could not convert that into a victory.
New Zealand prevailed in a high-scoring encounter to take a 1-0 lead in the #NZvPAK T20I series 👏
📝: https://t.co/42FWe9VVFi pic.twitter.com/bJzRb6QLfL
— ICC (@ICC) January 12, 2024
Pakistan were 130-4 in 12.4 overs in the first match, still in position to chase the target of 227 but Azam Khan’s disappointing show with the bat doubled the Pakistan’s troubles.
Fakhar (15 off 10), Iftikhar (24 off 17) and Azam Khan (10 off 9) were the Men in Green’s underperformers with the bat. Meanwhile, Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan by scoring 57 runs off 35 balls but his efforts were not enough in front of the massive target set by New Zealand.
Match Updates
New Zealand: 226/8
Pakistan: (18/20 ov, Target:227) 180
Earlier, New Zealand side set a 227–run target while batting first against Pakistan cricket team in the first T20I match.
Brilliant on debut! 🙌
Abbas Afridi finishes his four-over spell with 3️⃣-3️⃣4️⃣ ☄️#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Vx0tmHsrHj
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 12, 2024
Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell were New Zealand’s best performers with the bat as the two players scored 61 and 57 runs respectively.
A sizzling display with the bat helps New Zealand post the highest-ever total against Pakistan in Men's T20Is ⚡#NZvPAK 📝: https://t.co/QRov5i7Wt9 pic.twitter.com/vbisK88g7Q
— ICC (@ICC) January 12, 2024
Shaheen Shah Afridi secured three wickets for 46 runs, Abbas claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs, and Rauf took two wickets in the match against New Zealand.
Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first against the host. Today’s match marks Shah Afridi’s first appearance as skipper, having taken over the reins from Babar. Saim and Rizwan opened the match with former captain Babar Azam featuring in the middle order. Pakistan last played T20Is in April last year against New Zealand at home.
Pakistan v New Zealand 1st T20
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has been named Shaheen Afridi’s vice-captain, was Pakistan’s leading run-getter in the series. Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler during that series.
Playing XI
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Matthew Henry, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ben Sears.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aamir Jamal, Usama Mir (Debut), Abbas Afridi (Debut), Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf.
