New Zealand thrash Pakistan by 46 runs in the first T-20 match of the series

New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by 46 runs in the first 5-match series at Eden Park, Auckland, on Friday.

Despite a brilliant start provided by Saim Ayub’s remarkable knock of 27 off just 8, the final result marked Shaheen Shah Afridi’s start as the T20I captain with a loss.

Shaheen Afridi failed miserably, first with the ball then being bowled out at zero!

The Green Shirts were 130-4 in 12.4 overs, but the batting lineup rumbled chasing New Zealand’s imposed 226-8 target and could not convert that into a win.

Azam Khan brought to the side, struggled to find support from his teammates.

Pakistan’s underperformers with the bat included Fakhar Zaman (15 off 10), Iftikhar Ahmed (24 off 17) and Azam Khan (10 off 9).

Former skipper Babar Azam top-scored for the losing side by scoring 57 runs off 35 balls.

Veteran seam bowler Southee claimed four wickets and helped dismiss the visiting side for 180 in the 18th over.

While batting first, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell blasted 61 off 27 balls and captain Williamson’s 57 took 42 balls as the Black Caps built on an explosive start from opener Finn Allen (34).

Pakistan’s bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the hosts with only Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf could bowled with a decent economy of 8.50 each.

Shaheen Afridi, who provided an excellent start with a wicket in the first over, failed to capitalise on that and ended up conceding 46 runs while taking three wickets.

Aamer Jamal conceded 56 runs. On the other hand, Usama Mir was bashed for 51 runs in four overs.

Playing XI

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamir Jamal, Usama Mir (Debut), Shaheen Afridi (c), Abbas Afridi (Debut), Haris Rauf

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Matthew Henry, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears