New Zealand Crush Pakistan by Nine Wickets in T20I Series Opener
Christchurch, 16 March 2025 – A Nightmare Start for Pakistan
New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st T20I at Hagley Oval, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse – Bowled Out for 91
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled, managing only 91 runs in 18.4 overs. The visitors struggled against New Zealand’s fierce bowling attack, with Khushdil Shah providing the only resistance, scoring 32 off 30 balls with three sixes.
Pakistan’s debutants, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz, failed to make an impact, while the Kiwi bowlers ran riot.
Bowling Brilliance – New Zealand’s Star Bowlers
Jacob Duffy led the charge, picking up an impressive 4/14, while Kyle Jamieson bagged 3/8 in a sensational spell. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi contributed with 2/27, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order.
New Zealand’s Chase – A Walk in the Park
Chasing a modest target of 92, New Zealand made light work of the chase, reaching 92/1 in just 10.1 overs.
Tim Seifert (44 off 29) played a blistering knock before falling to Abrar Ahmed, the only Pakistani bowler to take a wicket. Finn Allen (29)* and Tim Robinson (18)* ensured an easy win for the Kiwis.
🏏 Match Summary – New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st T20I
Pakistan Batting (All Out – 91 in 18.4 Overs)
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khushdil Shah | 32 (30) | 0 | 3 | c Allen b Duffy |
| Salman Agha (c) | 18 (20) | 2 | 0 | c Seifert b Sodhi |
| Jahandad Khan | 17 (17) | 0 | 1 | c Bracewell b Foulkes |
| Abdul Samad | 7 (12) | 0 | 0 | c Bracewell b Sodhi |
| Others | < 5 Runs Each | – | – | – |
Extras: 9 (lb 3, w 6)
Total: 91 All Out (18.4 Overs, RR: 4.87)
New Zealand Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Jacob Duffy | 3.4 | 14 | 4 | 3.81 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 4 | 8 | 3 | 2.00 |
| Ish Sodhi | 4 | 27 | 2 | 6.75 |
| Others | – | – | – | – |
New Zealand Batting (92/1 in 10.1 Overs)
| Batter | Runs (Balls) | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
| Tim Seifert | 44 (29) | 7 | 1 | c Haris b Abrar |
| Finn Allen | 29* (17) | 2 | 2 | Not Out |
| Tim Robinson | 18* (15) | 0 | 1 | Not Out |
Extras: 1 (lb 1)
Total: 92/1 (10.1 Overs, RR: 9.04)
Pakistan Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Abrar Ahmed | 2.1 | 15 | 1 | 6.92 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 2 | 17 | 0 | 8.50 |
| Mohammad Ali | 3 | 25 | 0 | 8.33 |
| Others | – | – | – | – |
What’s Next?
Pakistan will aim to bounce back in the second T20I, set to be played at the University Oval in Dunedin on Tuesday.
🏆 Player of the Match: Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand) – 3/8 in 4 over
🔜 Stay tuned to Khelo Pakistan for more updates on Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand! 🏏🔥
