New Zealand clinched victory over Pakistan by nine wickets during the first T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on March 16, 2025. This match marked the beginning of the five-match series, with the Kiwis taking the early lead at 1-0.
Pakistan's struggles were evident as they crumbled to their lowest-ever T20 score on New Zealand soil, bowled out for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs. Their batting line-up faltered dramatically, collapsing to 11-4 within the first five overs, as they faced relentless pressure from New Zealand's pace attack.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to field first. The decision proved to be advantageous. Following the dismissal of key players early, including captain Salman Agha (18 runs) and the addition of only three batters managing double-figure scores, Pakistan was unable to recover. The only notable contribution came from Khushdil Shah, who scored 32 off 30 balls and put together a 46-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Agha before his dismissal.
Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy were the stars with the ball, wreaking havoc on Pakistan's batting line-up. Jamieson, who took three wickets for just 8 runs, exploited the conditions expertly, setting the tone for the match. "We had some pretty favourable conditions," Jamieson said of the pitch at Hagley Oval, which provided early movement. Duffy claimed four wickets for 14 runs, finishing with career-best figures and ensuring Pakistan could not begin to establish the momentum needed against the Kiwis.
New Zealand's chase of the modest 92-run target began with explosive intent. Tim Seifert, displaying aggression from the outset, top-scored with 44 runs from just 29 balls, hitting seven fours and one six before being dismissed by Abrar Ahmed. Joining him at the crease, Finn Allen contributed with 29 runs, and Tim Robinson added 18 runs, concluding the chase in just 10.1 overs—all the more impressive considering the conditions faced when batting.
Commenting on the match dynamics, Heba Nida, the new captain of Pakistan, said, "It was obviously difficult; they were bowling in the right area and there was swing and seam for them as well. We didn’t bat up to the mark. Always, the new ball does a bit, and we have the bowlers who can do it too. We don’t have much time. We need to regather as quickly as we can." His sentiments underline the urgency for improvement as they prepare for the next match on March 18, 2025, at Dunedin.
This match now serves as both a wake-up call for Pakistan and momentum for New Zealand, who are eager to capitalize on their early series lead.