LAHORE: Pakistan have set a target of 183 runs after winning the toss and choosing bat first against New Zealand during the first T20 International of the 5-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday.
The sensational batter Fakhar Zaman scored 47 on 32 balls with the help of four boundaries and two maximums.
Similarly, Saim Ayub posted 47 runs on 28 balls, hitting eight boundaries. Faheem Ashraf also contributed 22 runs in 16 balls.
Pakistan has selected a strong squad for the series with the stylish batter Babar Azam back in charge of the side after being rested for the recent T20I series against Afghanistan.
The squad also welcome back main players Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf.
Shaheen Afridi will play his first international since injuring his knee in the last World Cup final.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Grant Bradburnhas taken the slot of head coach for the ten matches from Abdur Rehman.
Kiwis ready to chase target
On Kiwi side, eight players are missing because of the Indian Premier League and captain Kane Williamson has a knee injury, leaving the captaincy to batter Tom Latham, and providing opportunities for fresh talent.
Both teams will also meet in 5 one-day internationals after the T20 series.
Pakistan:
Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
New Zealand:
Tom Latham (wk/c), Chad Bowes, Will Young, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister
