CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, 16 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Pakistan suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the opening match of their five-match Twenty20 series in Christchurch on Sunday, failing to defend a modest total of 91 runs.
The visitors endured a disastrous start, collapsing to 11-4 by the end of the fifth over, as towering paceman Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with the new ball. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for their lowest-ever T20 total on New Zealand soil, while the hosts cruised to victory, reaching 92-1 in just 10.1 overs.
Jamieson was instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s top order, claiming three of the first four wickets and finishing with outstanding figures of 3-8 from four overs. His new-ball partner, Jacob Duffy, returned later in the innings to mop up the tail, securing career-best T20 figures of 4-14 from 3.4 overs.
Pakistan never recovered from their early collapse after being asked to bat first on a Hagley Oval pitch that provided ample movement for the fast bowlers. Only three Pakistani batsmen managed to reach double figures, with newly-appointed captain Salman Agha scoring 18 and top-scorer Khushdil Shah hitting three sixes in a 32-run knock off 30 balls. The duo added 46 runs for the fifth wicket, offering a brief resistance before Jahandad Khan chipped in with 17 off 17 balls. Despite their efforts, the innings ended prematurely, with eight deliveries left unplayed.
Pakistan’s previous lowest T20 total in New Zealand had been 101 all out in a heavy 95-run defeat in Wellington in 2016.
New Zealand’s chase was led by opener Tim Seifert, who set a blistering pace with 44 off 29 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Finn Allen (29 not out) and Tim Robinson (18 not out) comfortably steered the Black Caps to victory, sealing the win on the first ball of the 11th over.
The second match of the series is set to take place in Dunedin on Tuesday, where Pakistan will look to regroup and put up a stronger fight against the in-form New Zealand side.
