Christchurch (Web Desk): New Zealand delivered a stunning performance on defeating Pakistan by nine wickets in the opening T20I in Christchurch Sunday.
The tourists were off to a disastrous start, crumbling to 11-4 after just five overs as Kyle Jamieson unleashed a relentless spell with the new ball.
The Green Shirts were left reeling and could only muster a dismal total of 90 all out, their lowest score ever in T20I cricket on New Zealand soil. Jamieson finished with incredible figures of 3-8 off his four overs, while his bowling partner, Jacob Duffy, returned later to mop up the tail, claiming 4-14 off 3.4 overs, setting a new personal best.
The collapse came after Pakistan had been sent in to bat on a pitch at Hagley Oval that offered early assistance to the bowlers.
Only three players reached double figures, with captain Salman Agha top-scoring with 18, and forming a brief partnership of 46 runs with Khushdil Shah, who managed 32 off 30 balls, including three sixes. Jahandad Khan added 17, but the innings was wrapped up with eight balls to spare.
Pakistan's total fell short of their previous lowest T20I score in New Zealand, which had been 101 in Wellington in 2016.
In reply, New Zealand wasted no time, with Tim Seifert blasting 44 off just 29 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Finn Allen and Tim Robinson then completed the chase with ease, guiding the Kiwis to 92-1 in just 10.1 overs, securing a resounding victory.
The second match is scheduled for Tuesday in Dunedin.
Teams
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.