New Zealand secures an early advantage in the five-match T20 series after Pakistan’s batting collapses for less than 100 runs at Hagley Oval.
Pakistan suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat in the first T20 international against New Zealand in Christchurch, failing to defend a modest total of 91 runs.
The visitors began the five-match series in disastrous fashion on Sunday, crumbling to 11-4 by the end of the fifth over as towering paceman Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with the new ball.
Pakistan was eventually bowled out for their lowest T20 score on New Zealand soil, and the hosts comfortably chased down the target with 92-1 in just 10.1 overs.
Jamieson, who was later named Player of the Match, claimed three of the first four wickets, finishing with impressive figures of 3-8 from four overs.
New ball partner Jacob Duffy returned later in the innings to clean up the tail, matching Jamieson’s impact with career-best T20 figures of 4-14 from 3.4 overs.
Pakistan never recovered from their top-order collapse after being sent in to bat on a lively Hagley Oval pitch, with only three batters reaching double figures.
Newly appointed captain Salman Agha scored 18 runs and shared a 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket with top-scorer Khushdil Shah, who showcased some resistance with three sixes in his 32 off 30 balls.
Jahandad Khan contributed 17 runs at a run-a-ball before the innings ended with eight balls still remaining.
Pakistan’s previous lowest T20 score in New Zealand was 101 all out during a 95-run loss in Wellington in 2016.
Opener Tim Seifert gave New Zealand a strong start, scoring 44 off 29 balls, including seven fours and one six.
Finn Allen (29) and Tim Robinson (18) completed the chase in the first ball of the 11th over.
The second match of the series will take place in Dunedin on Tuesday.
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