Christchurch, March 16, 2025 – Pakistan suffered a humiliating nine-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at Hagley Oval. The visitors were bowled out for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs, with seven Pakistani batsmen failing to cross single digits. New Zealand chased the target with ease, reaching 92/1 in just 10.1 overs.
This crushing loss highlights Pakistan’s continued struggles in T20 cricket, as their fragile batting lineup crumbled against an in-form New Zealand bowling attack. The absence of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan was felt heavily, as the team struggled to build any partnerships.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse: Seven Players Dismissed for Single Digits
Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start, with their top-order failing to withstand New Zealand’s pace attack. The first four wickets fell with just 11 runs on the board. The following seven batsmen couldn’t reach double figures, making it nearly impossible for Pakistan to recover.
Here’s a look at how Pakistan’s batters fared:
| Batsman | Runs Scored | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Haris | 0 | 3 |
| Hasan Nawaz | 0 | 2 |
| Irfan Khan | 1 | 4 |
| Shadab Khan | 3 | 6 |
| Abdul Samad | 7 | 9 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 1 | 2 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 2 | 6 |
New Zealand’s Bowlers Dominate
New Zealand’s bowlers ripped through Pakistan’s lineup, led by an outstanding spell from Jacob Duffy (4/14). He was well supported by Kyle Jamieson (3/8) and Ish Sodhi (2/27). The bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, making it difficult for Pakistan to stabilize.
Key Bowling Performances:
- Jacob Duffy: 4 wickets for 14 runs (4 overs)
- Kyle Jamieson: 3 wickets for 8 runs (3.4 overs)
- Ish Sodhi: 2 wickets for 27 runs (4 overs)
New Zealand’s aggressive and disciplined bowling attack left Pakistan reeling, ensuring that no batsman could settle at the crease.
New Zealand’s Easy Chase
Chasing a meager target of 92, New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert (44 off 29 balls) and Finn Allen (29 off 17 balls) ensured a quick and aggressive chase. The hosts wrapped up the match in just 10.1 overs, securing a dominant nine-wicket win.
Pakistan’s lone moment of relief came when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Seifert, but by then, the game was already out of their reach.
Key Talking Points from the Match
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Pakistan’s Batting Woes Continue:
- Seven batsmen failing to reach double digits raised serious concerns about the team’s batting depth.
- The absence of experienced players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan was clearly felt.
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New Zealand’s Clinical Performance:
- The hosts dominated with both ball and bat, putting up a near-flawless display.
- Jacob Duffy’s exceptional spell set the tone for the victory.
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Pakistan’s Weak Opening Pair:
- Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz got out for ducks, leaving Pakistan under pressure from the start.
- The team’s over-reliance on their middle order led to another top-order collapse.
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The Need for a Tactical Reassessment:
- With four games left in the series, Pakistan will need to rethink their strategy.
- A more stable opening partnership and better shot selection will be crucial.
Pakistan will now look to regroup before the second T20I, which is scheduled for March 18 in Dunedin. They must address their batting vulnerabilities if they hope to make a comeback in the series. Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi expressed disappointment in the post-match press conference: “We didn’t apply ourselves well. Losing early wickets cost us. We need to show more intent and responsibility in the upcoming games.”
On the other hand, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson praised his team’s disciplined bowling attack and aggressive batting approach, stating: “It was a complete performance. The bowlers set it up, and the batters finished it well. We’ll continue this approach in the next match.” Pakistan’s nine-wicket loss against New Zealand is a wake-up call for their T20I squad. Their batting failures, coupled with New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack, exposed their weaknesses. With four matches still left in the series, Pakistan must bounce back quickly to stay competitive. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to extend their winning streak and seal the series early. With momentum on their side, they remain clear favorites going into the second T20I. For now, Pakistan will need stronger batting performances and better planning to avoid another embarrassing defeat. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the series progresses.