Christchurch, March 16, 2025 — New Zealand gave Pakistan a commanding nine-wicket defeat in the opening T20 International at Hagley Oval. The game provided a tough introduction for Pakistan's rebuilt team, which was never able to gather momentum during the match.
cricket.one
Pakistan Batting Collapse
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan were hit with initial mishaps as giant paceman Kyle Jamieson tore apart the top order. The strong figures of 3 wickets for only 8 runs by Jamieson put the tone for the dominance of New Zealand. Jacob Duffy added to the troubles of Pakistan by taking 4 wickets for 14 runs. The visitors were left with 11-4 through the fifth over, a stage from which they never bounced back. Khushdil Shah did provide some resistance with his 32-run innings, but Pakistan was ultimately bowled out for 91 in 18.4 overs, their lowest ever T20I score against New Zealand and their fifth-lowest ever in the format. New Zealand's Clinical Chase
Chasing an achievable target of 92, New Zealand openers were aggressive and precise. Tim Seifert led the charge with a blistering 44 off 29 balls, while Finn Allen added 29 runs for not losing his wicket. Their unitary effort ensured the team reached the target comfortably in just 10.1 overs, ending at 92-1.
After the Match
The match exposed the difficulty that Pakistan is going to encounter in the post-Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan years. The revamped team had trouble with the disciplined bowling unit of New Zealand, pointing to the necessity for experience and stability in the batting order. New Zealand's overall all-round display, with swift bowling and dominant batting, paints a good picture for the rest of the series.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan will have to rethink their approach and improve their batting fortitude before the second T20I. New Zealand, having won this match, will try to continue dominating the series.
The second game of the five-match series is to be held at the same venue on March 18, 2025.
Post a Comment
verifinewss@gmail.com