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In a disappointing opening match of the five-match Twenty20 series, Pakistan faced a significant defeat, losing by nine wickets to New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday. Struggling to defend a modest total of 91 runs, the tourists found themselves in dire straits early on, plummeting to 11-4 by the end of the fifth over, largely due to the exceptional bowling performance by Kyle Jamieson.
This match marked a disastrous start for the Pakistani team, as they were ultimately bowled out for their lowest T20 score on New Zealand soil. In a display of dominance, the home side effortlessly chased down the target, reaching 92-1 in just 10.1 overs.
Jamieson was instrumental in the early collapse, claiming three of the first four wickets and concluding his spell with impressive figures of 3-8 over four overs. His new-ball partner, Jacob Duffy, later returned to clean up the tail, also achieving career-best T20 statistics of 4-14 in 3.4 overs.
Pakistan's batting lineup struggled to recover from the top-order collapse after being sent in to bat on a Hagley Oval pitch that offered considerable assistance to the bowlers. Only three players managed to score in double figures, with newly appointed captain Salman Agha contributing 18 runs and forming a crucial partnership of 46 runs for the fifth wicket with top-scorer Khushdil Shah, who hit three sixes in his innings of 32 runs off 30 balls. Jahandad Khan added 17 runs off 17 balls before the innings concluded with eight deliveries remaining.
Previously, Pakistan's lowest T20 score in New Zealand was 101 all out, suffered during a 95-run defeat in Wellington in 2016.
New Zealand’s innings began with a brisk start from opener Tim Seifert, who scored 44 runs off 29 balls, hitting seven fours and one six. Finn Allen contributed 29 runs, while Tim Robinson added 18 runs, successfully completing the chase with the first ball of the 11th over.
The teams will face off again in the second match, scheduled to take place in Dunedin on Tuesday.