
New Zealand pacers demolished Pakistan in the first T20I at Christchurch on Sunday to set up a comprehensive nine-wicket win for the hosts.
Pakistan recorded their lowest T20 total in New Zealand, 91 all out in 18.4 overs, while the hosts comfortably achieved the target in just 10.1 overs for the loss of just one wicket.
Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with his new-ball spell, reducing Pakistan to 11 for 4 by the conclusion of the fifth over.
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Jamieson displayed exceptional skills, taking three of the first four wickets to fall, finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 8. Jacob Duffy, returning later in the innings to clean up the tail, achieved his career-best T20 figures of 4 for 14 in 3.4 overs.
After being asked to bat first on a lively Hagley Oval surface, Pakistan struggled significantly, with only three batters managing to reach double digits.
The newly appointed skipper, Salman Agha, contributed 18 runs in a 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Khushdil Shah, who emerged as the highest scorer with 32 runs off 30 deliveries, including three sixes.
Jahandad Khan scored 17 runs before the innings concluded with eight deliveries remaining unused.
Pakistan’s previous T20 lowest total while playing in New Zealand was 101 all out, during their 95-run defeat in Wellington in 2016.
Tim Seifert provided New Zealand with a strong start, scoring 44 runs from 29 deliveries, including seven boundaries and one six.
Finn Allen with 29 runs and Tim Robinson with 18 runs ensured that the Kiwis achieved the target on the first delivery of the eleventh over.
The second T20I will be played in Dunedin on Tuesday.
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