NZ vs PAK Highlights 1st T20I: New Zealand required a little over 10 overs to chase down the target of 92 runs in the first T20I of the 5-match series against Pakistan on Sunday. Tim Seifert and Fin Allen score the bulk of the runs in the paltry run-chase as Pakistan bowlers struggled to keep a check on the hosts' scoring rate. Earlier, Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan got off to a horrendous start in the first T20I against New Zealand, losing the first four wickets for a mind-boggling score of 11 runs. The hosts ran riot with the ball early on, leaving Pakistan's camp shell-shocked. Skipper Agha and Khushdil Shah then produced a fight-back to give some sort of stability to the team. The duo, however, couldn't convert their starts into big scores as New Zealand bounced back quickly. Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy were the top wicket-takers for the Kiwis, picking 3 and 4 scalps respectively as Pakistan were bowled out for 91. (Scorecard)
Here are the highlights for New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st T20I from Christchurch:
NZ vs PAK 1st T20I Live Score Updates
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Right then, that is it from today's thrilling match, which concluded with a convincing win for New Zealand. The second T20 between these teams is just around the corner, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18th at 1.15 am GMT. We invite you to join us again a bit early for the pre-match buildup. Until then, take care and cheers!
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Michael Bracewell, the skipper of New Zealand, says that it was a great day and it was fun to see Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy bowl. Adds that they will put the same efforts in their following games as well.
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Salman Agha, the skipper of Pakistan, says that it was a difficult outing for them and they need to move on from this. Adds that they will try to leave this behind and bounce back in their next game. Adds that new ball works well for New Zealand and they will try to do the same with the ball in the next game.
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Kyle Jamieson is the Player of the Match. He says that the conditions were good, and it worked well for them. Adds that it feels good to get an early lead in the series and it was a great team effort. Ends by saying that Jacob Duffy was impressive as well and it was fun to see him at the other end.
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Stay tuned for the Presentations...
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Earlier in the game, New Zealand dominated with the ball, bundling Pakistan for a mere 91. Kyle Jamieson took three wickets in the powerplay, while Jacob Duffy finished with impressive figures of 4/14. Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah briefly steadied the ship with a 46-run partnership, but the Pakistani batters struggled to handle the bounce and pace, with only three batters reaching double figures.
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Pakistan's bowling attack, who are mostly known for their bowling, had a forgettable outing. Abrar Ahmed was the sole wicket-taker, but it was too little, too late. The team will need to regroup and reassess their strategies in order to bounce back stronger in the next game.
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Seifert's quickfire 44, which came to an end in the 6th over, had already taken the game away from Pakistan. With the majority of the work done, Finn Allen and Tim Robinson completed the formalities, guiding New Zealand to a convincing win with almost ten overs left.
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A convincing victory for the hosts as they take an early lead in this series. New Zealand's pursuit of a modest 92-run target got off to a blistering start, courtesy of Tim Seifert's aggressive batting. Seifert took the lead, playing a dominant role, while Finn Allen provided able support, ensuring the Pakistani bowlers were never allowed to settle. The duo's partnership set the tone for a comprehensive victory.
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10.12Abrar Ahmed to Tim Robinson
That will do! Short, on off, Tim Robinson punches it through covers for a brace. New Zealand beat Pakistan convincingly by 9 wickets!
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Drinks! The finish line is in sight! New Zealand are just two runs away from victory, and it's likely to be all over in the next ball or two. However, due to the traditions of cricket, they will have to wait.
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9.64Mohammad Ali to Finn Allen
FOUR! Well played! On a length, down leg, Finn Allen swivels and pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary.
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9.52Mohammad Ali to Finn Allen
Length again, on off, Finn Allen punches it through covers for a brace. Just 6 needed now!
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9.41Mohammad Ali to Tim Robinson
On a length, on off, Tim Robinson flicks it to mid-wicket for one.
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9.30Mohammad Ali to Tim Robinson
Length, on off, Tim Robinson blocks it to covers.
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9.21 lbMohammad Ali to Finn Allen
Lands it down leg, Finn Allen looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls fine. They cross.
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9.16Mohammad Ali to Finn Allen
SIX! They are wasting no time here! Back of a length, don leg, Finn Allen swivels and pulls it over fine leg for a biggie.
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8.60Shadab Khan to Tim Robinson
Flatter, down leg, Tim Robinson looks to block it but gets a hit on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down. Salman Agha goes upstairs. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows that it was missing leg. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT!
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8.51Shadab Khan to Finn Allen
Lands it on off, Finn Allen eases it to covers for one more.
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8.41Shadab Khan to Tim Robinson
Full, on off, Tim Robinson taps it to point for one.