New Zealand Thrashes Pakistan in T20 Match
The Kiwis' victory was set up by their bowlers, who restricted Pakistan to a low score, and their batsmen, who chased down the target with ease. The match was a one-sided affair, with New Zealand dominating from start to finish.
Pakistan was bowled out for 91 runs, their lowest score on New Zealand soil in a T20 match, as the Kiwis secured a 9-wicket win in the first T20I in Christchurch, with New Zealand chasing down the target in just 10.1 overs.
The Pakistan team struggled with the bounce generated by the New Zealand bowlers, with seven single-digit scores in the innings. Kyle Jamieson and Matt Duffy shared seven wickets between them, with Jamieson taking 3 for 8 and Duffy taking 4 for 14. The team's lowest total in New Zealand and fifth-lowest in T20 cricket was achieved after the dropping of captain Babar Azam and wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan.
New Zealand's Michael Bracewell praised the crowd and said it was hard to keep Kyle Jamieson out of the attack, as he was ready to bowl his fourth over. He also acknowledged the challenge of rotating bowlers in shorter formats like T20s. Kyle Jamieson spoke about the game, saying it was nice to be back on home soil and that the conditions were favourable.
The second match is scheduled for Tuesday in Dunedin, and Pakistan will look to bounce back from the defeat. New Zealand made a comprehensive victory, reaching 92 for 1 in 10.1 overs, with Tim Seifert scoring 44 and Finn Allen scoring 29 not out.
The defeat is a setback for Pakistan, but they will look to regroup and come back stronger in the next match. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to build on their momentum and take a 2-0 lead in the series.