• New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the first T20I by 9 wickets.

  • Kyle Jamieson earned the Player of the Match award for his brilliant bowling performance.

Fans erupt as Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy sizzle in New Zealand’s emphatic win over Pakistan in 1st T20I
New Zealand beat Pakistan in 1st T20I (Image Source: X)

The Black Caps made a strong statement in the opening match of the Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025, cruising to a nine-wicket win over the Men in Green at Hagley Oval. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the hosts put up a commanding bowling performance to dismiss Pakistan for a paltry score before comfortably chasing it down to seal a resounding victory.

Pakistan collapse under pressure

Pakistan’s innings never got going as their top order crumbled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz departed without scoring, setting the tone for a disastrous start. The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals, struggling to build any significant partnerships. Agha Salman (18 off 20) and Irfan Khan (1 off 6) failed to anchor the innings, while Shadab Khan (3 off 6) and Abdul Samad (7 off 12) also fell cheaply.

The only resistance came from Khushdil Shah, who top-scored with a 30-ball 32, hitting three sixes. Jahandad Khan (17 off 17) also chipped in with a six, but their efforts were not enough to rescue Pakistan from a batting collapse. The innings eventually folded in 18.4 overs with just 91 runs on the board, a total that was never going to trouble the home side.

Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy wreck Pakistan’s batting line-up

New Zealand’s bowlers put up a clinical performance, ensuring that Pakistan never found any momentum. Kyle Jamieson led the attack with figures of 3 for 8 in four overs, including the crucial wickets of key batters. Jacob Duffy was equally lethal, dismantling Pakistan’s lower order with figures of 4 for 14 in 3.4 overs. Zakary Foulkes chipped in with a wicket for just 11 runs in his three-over spell, while Ish Sodhi claimed two scalps despite conceding 27 runs. Michael Bracewell remained wicketless but kept the pressure on with his economical spell.

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen make light work of the chase

Chasing 92 for victory, New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert made sure there were no hiccups. Allen was the aggressor early on, smashing 29 off 17 balls with two fours and two sixes. After his dismissal, Seifert took control, playing a fluent knock of 44 off 29 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Debutant Tim Robinson remained unbeaten on 18 as New Zealand wrapped up the chase in just 10.1 overs, securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory. For his outstanding bowling spell that dismantled Pakistan’s top order, Jamieson was named Player of the Match.

Also READ: NZ vs PAK 2025: Pakistan’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand

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Also READ: NZ vs PAK 2025: New Zealand’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan

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