CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand on Sunday thumped Pakistan to secure a convincing nine-wicket win against the Green Shirts in the first T20I in Christchurch.
Pakistan endured a nightmarish start to their five-match T20 series, collapsing to 11-4 by the fifth over, as towering pacer Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with the new ball.
The visitors were eventually bowled out for their lowest-ever T20 total in New Zealand, with the hosts comfortably chasing down the target at 92-1 in just 10.1 overs.
Pakistan never recovered from their early collapse after being sent in to bat on a lively Hagley Oval pitch. Only three players managed to reach double figures.
Newly-appointed captain Salman Agha (18) and top-scorer Khushdil Shah (32 off 30 balls, three sixes) stitched together a 46-run stand for the fifth wicket, offering brief resistance. Jahandad Khan added 17 before the innings folded with eight balls remaining.
Pakistan’s previous lowest T20I score in New Zealand was 101 all out in a 95-run defeat in Wellington in 2016.
Opener Tim Seifert led the charge with a brisk 44 off 29 balls, smashing seven fours and a six. Finn Allen (29) and Tim Robinson (18)** completed the chase off the first ball of the 11th over.
The second T20I will be played in Dunedin on Tuesday.
