CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, 16 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Pakistan endured a dismal start to their five-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand, collapsing to 91 all out in Christchurch on Sunday—their lowest-ever T20 score on New Zealand soil.
The tourists suffered an early batting meltdown, finding themselves at a precarious 11-4 by the end of the fifth over, as towering fast bowler Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with the new ball.
Jamieson dismantled Pakistan’s top order, taking three of the first four wickets to return remarkable figures of 3-8 from his four overs. His new-ball partner, Jacob Duffy, cleaned up the lower order and finished with a career-best 4-14 from 3.4 overs.
Pakistan never recovered from the early damage, struggling against a Hagley Oval pitch that offered considerable movement and bounce for the seamers. Only three Pakistani batters managed to reach double figures.
Newly-appointed captain Salman Agha top-scored with 18, sharing a brief 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Khushdil Shah, who struck three sixes in his 32 off 30 balls. Jahandad Khan added a run-a-ball 17 before the innings folded with eight deliveries still unused.
This performance eclipsed Pakistan’s previous lowest T20 total in New Zealand—101 all out in a heavy 95-run defeat in Wellington in 2016.
Context and Additional Insight:
Pakistan’s fragile batting display highlights their ongoing struggles in adapting to New Zealand conditions, particularly against pace and bounce. Their inability to handle Jamieson’s height and Duffy’s precision will be a major concern heading into the rest of the series. Meanwhile, New Zealand, buoyed by their seam attack, will look to capitalise on this dominant start and further impose themselves in the upcoming matches.