NewZealand win first T20I by 5 wickets!
Pakistan won the toss in the first T20I vs NewZealand and chose to bat first. The decision didn’t age well as Pakistan soon fell to 24-4 with in the first 5 overs.
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Pakistan top order fails
Pakistan top order couldn’t anchor the innings. Pakistan were 24-4 but captain Shadab Khan came to rescue and scored 42 off 32 with some help and boundaries from Faheem Ashraf scoring 31 off 18 to manage to put up a total of 153.
Haris Rauf stars with the ball
Pakistan had to defend 154. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf got early breakthroughs for Pakistan. Haris Rauf starred in the second innings with a splendid spell 3/29 in his four overs but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to take Pakistan over the line. Shaheen Afridi took 2/27 in his 4 overs.
Second innings
Tim Siefert scored a crucial 57 (43) to take his team over the line. Pakistan managed to put NewZealand under pressure after NZ lost their first wicket but Neesham and Santner were too good to fall for this total.
Babar Azam absence
Babar Azam who wasn’t playing today due to his thumb injury didn’t hesitate to join his team mates and cheer them from the boundary side lines. Babar was majorly missed by the Pakistani top order and the fans and fans say he would’ve added a lot to the total