New Zealand dispatched Pakistan with ease, clinching victory by nine wickets during the first T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on March 16, 2025. This match not only marked the beginning of Pakistan's new era without stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but it also shone light on the glaring weaknesses of their batting lineup, which could only muster the paltry total of 91.
Bowling first, New Zealand’s speedsters, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy, turned the game on its head, sending the Pakistani batters back to the dugout with relentless precision, combining for seven wickets. Jamieson returned impressive figures of 3 for 8 across four overs, including one maiden, completely dominating the powerplay. Duffy was equally effective, returning to finish off the tail with figures of 4 for 14 from 3.4 overs.
Pakistan faced immediate trouble as Jamieson opened his account by dismissing Mohammad Haris for naught, claiming his first wicket on the final ball of his opening over. Duffy wasted no time either, sending Hasan Nawaz back without scoring as well, leaving Pakistan reeling at 0 for 2.
Pakistan sunk to 11 for 4 during the fifth overs, with key players departing far too early. Shadab Khan (3 runs) and Irfan Khan (1 run) also fell prey to New Zealand's effective bowling by this stage. Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah tried to stabilize the innings with a 46-run partnership, where Agha managed to score 18 runs and Khushdil smashed 32 runs off 30 balls, including three sixes. Their efforts, unfortunately, came too late as the collapse had already set the tone for the innings.
Eventually, Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, resulting in their lowest T20 score on New Zealand soil, besting their previous record of 101 runs, set back in 2016. They lost the last three wickets quickly, finishing their innings at 91 runs within 18.4 overs.
New Zealand’s chase was brisk and straightforward, starting off with Tim Seifert leading the charge. Seifert scored aggressively, making 44 runs off just 29 balls, peppered with seven boundaries and one six. He set the tone for the innings, and though Abrar Ahmed managed to dismiss him, the game was already well within New Zealand's grasp. Following Seifert's dismissal, Finn Allen and Tim Robinson comfortably guided New Zealand to their target, achieving 92 runs for the loss of just one wicket and with 59 balls still remaining.
Reflecting on his bowling performance and the favorable conditions, Jamieson remarked, "We had some pretty favourable conditions... You keep the seam upright and hit the deck and just let the conditions do the work." This match is just the opener of the five-match T20I series, with the next fixture scheduled for March 18, 2025, where Pakistan will be desperate to regain momentum and adapt to the conditions presented by their opponents.
With Pakistan needing to bounce back immediately, Agha emphasized the test facing his team, indicating plans for adaptation to possible green conditions in Dunedin. "It was obviously difficult, they were bowling in the right area and there was swing and seam for them as well... Always in New Zealand, the new ball does a bit and we have the bowlers who can do it too," he explained. The challenge now lies with Pakistan to regroup and recover from this disastrous start to the series.
New Zealand’s bowlers, especially Jamieson and Duffy, set high expectations with their performance, making it clear they will be formidable foes going forward. For Pakistan, it’s now about bouncing back and showing resilience, with many questioning whether they can adapt without their former stalwarts leading the charge.