PAK vs NZ: It was a pathetic display of bad batting by Pakistan which was bowled out for a meager 91 runs against New Zealand in the first T20I match at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. It was not the margin of defeat but how Pakistan’s batting collapsed under pressure.
New Zealand bowlers produced a masterclass performance, taking advantage of each chance to break the Pakistani batting order. The humiliating loss was a historic low for Pakistan, establishing an unwanted record in their T20I history against New Zealand.
Lowest Score Of Pakistan in T20 Cricket
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During the PAK vs NZ first T20I, Pakistan scored its lowest-ever score in T20I cricket against New Zealand. The 91-run debacle in 18.4 overs was the worst than their earlier lowest of 101 runs in 2016.
The insult was further added to the injury when none of the Pakistani batsmen were able to make more than 20 runs, the first instance in the history of T20 cricket where the whole team did not even manage to cross the 100-run barrier collectively. This record failure is an indication of the collective failure and weakness of the team on the field.
Early Setbacks for Pakistan
Right from the start, Pakistan was under huge pressure, courtesy of a magnificent bowling effort by New Zealand. Kyle Jamieson proved to be the star bowler, taking three successive wickets, including Mohammad Haris, who was caught for a duck. Irfan Khan was not any different, managing to score only one run before his dismissal.
Hasan Nawaz, making his debut, was sent on his way by Jacob Duffy after facing just two balls, adding to the already mounting pressure. Pakistan’s score at the fall of the fourth wicket in the 4.4th over was a mere 11 runs for four wickets.
Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman’s Short Cameo
Pakistan’s top order crumbling, the recovery hopes rested on Khushdil Shah and skipper Agha Salman. The pair were able to compose a small association of 46 runs for the fifth wicket, giving hope. The pressure was unrelenting, and the association was ended when Salman was sent back for only 18 runs by Ish Sodhi.
Pakistan was in deep trouble at 57 for five in the 11th over, with little batting depth remaining to ride out the New Zealand bowlers’ attack. Khushdil Shah battled hard, making 32 runs, including three sixes. Nevertheless, his resistance was not enough to keep Pakistan from crumbling further, as the other batsmen could not keep their ground.
Further Collapse: Pakistan Collapses Quickly
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With 80 for seven in the 15.3 overs, the dreams of Pakistan were shattered.
Jahandad Khan, having made 17 runs, was given out by Jackery Faulks, taking Pakistan to 80 for eight. Shaheen Afridi scored only one run, and Abrar Ahmed got out without scoring a ball, indicating the level of the collapse. The Pakistani team was bowled out for a mere 91 runs in 18.4 overs, giving New Zealand a comprehensive win.
New Zealand’s Clinical Bowling Display
New Zealand’s bowlers, spearheaded by Kyle Jamieson, carried out their plans to perfection. Jamieson returned with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 19 runs. Jacob Duffy was the best bowler, taking four wickets for 29 runs. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi also chipped in, taking 2 wickets for 10 runs. Even debutant Zachary Faulks contributed his bit, taking a wicket to seal a clinical performance by the Kiwis.
Debutants Failed To Perform
Pakistan included three debutants in this game—Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, and Mohammad Ali—but none of them were able to make an impression. Hasan Nawaz’s early departure on the second ball of the innings set the tone for the rest of the team. Abdul Samad and Mohammad Ali also didn’t offer any resistance, adding more pressure on the senior players.
New Zealand’s Dominance
While Pakistan’s batting meltdown was the talking point of the match, New Zealand’s performance was nothing less than stellar. Even though they lost the toss, the Kiwis never gave Pakistan a chance to get into any sort of rhythm. Their bowlers kept applying relentless pressure, and their fielding was razor-sharp and precise. Not an opportunity was lost, and Pakistan’s batsmen were kept on the back foot for the entire match.
Major Takeaways from Pakistan vs New Zealand First T20I
– Historic Low Score: Pakistan’s 91-run total is their lowest-ever score against New Zealand in T20 cricket. This is also the first time in T20 history that Pakistan’s whole team couldn’t manage even 100 runs.
– New Zealand Clinical Bowling: Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy were the top bowlers, claiming early wickets to derail Pakistan’s innings. Ish Sodhi and Faulks picked up the tail to emerge triumphant in a dominating fashion.
– Debutants Don’t Impress: The three Pakistani debutants Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, and Mohammad Ali also failed to deliver their efforts, contributing to the team’s misfortune.
– New Zealand’s Tactical Prowess: The Kiwis played their game plan to perfection, both on and off the ball, leaving Pakistan with no chance to recover.
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