Pakistan crumbled for a modest total of 91, allowing New Zealand to take a 1-0 lead. | Cricbuzz.com

**Pakistan Tour of New Zealand, 2025: New Zealand Takes Commanding 1-0 Lead After a Convincing Victory**

*Report by Cricbuzz Staff*

In an unexpected collapse, Pakistan was dismissed for a mere 91 runs as New Zealand secured a dominant nine-wicket victory in the inaugural match of the five-match T20I series at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Only a trio of Pakistani batsmen reached double figures, encapsulating a frustrating batting performance.

After being put in to bat first, Pakistan recorded their fifth-lowest T20I total and third-lowest when batting first, largely due to the exceptional bowling by New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson (3-8) and Jacob Duffy (4-14). The Black Caps effortlessly chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, leaving Pakistan trailing 0-1 in the series.

Jamieson set the tone early, delivering a wicket-maiden in the opening over and catching Mohammad Haris at slip. Debutant Hassan Nawaz was dismissed for a duck in the subsequent over, giving New Zealand an ideal start. The situation worsened for Pakistan as Jamieson removed Irfan Khan in his second over, reducing them to an alarming 1/3. The collapse continued as Jamieson removed Shadab Khan, with Pakistan struggling at 14/4 by the end of the PowerPlay.

Despite the dire circumstances, newly-appointed skipper Salman Ali Agha (18 off 20) and Khushdil Shah (32 off 30) offered some resistance with a fifth-wicket partnership of 46 runs. Khushdil’s successive sixes off Michael Bracewell hinted at recovery but trying to dominate spin ultimately led to further wickets. Ish Sodhi’s dismissal of Agha opened the floodgates further, allowing Duffy to terminate Khushdil’s innings and dismantle the remaining batting order.

By the halfway point, the outcome seemed inevitable, and it became a matter of how swiftly New Zealand would conclude the match. Despite the need for rapid wickets, Pakistan’s aspirations were thwarted by Tim Seifert’s explosive 44 off 29 balls, which effectively sealed the game. Seifert paired with Finn Allen (29* off 17) in a commanding opening stand, exploiting the limited opportunities presented by Pakistan’s modest total.

**Match Summary:**
Pakistan 91 in 18.4 overs (Jacob Duffy 4-14, Kyle Jamieson 3-8)
lost to
New Zealand 92/1 in 10.1 overs (Tim Seifert 44, Finn Allen 29*)
by nine wickets.

For additional insights and related stories, follow the ongoing Pakistan tour of New Zealand, 2025.

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