Saim Ayub shines before New Zealand overpower Pakistan in first T20

12.01.2024 - 14:23 thenationalnews.com

Shaheen Afridi's debut as Pakistan's T20 captain did not go according to plan, as New Zealand triumphed by 46 runs in a high-scoring T20 series opener in Auckland on Friday.

The Black Caps racked up 226-8 with Daryl Mitchell smashing 61 off 27 balls and captain Kane Williamson making a more sedate 57 from 42 balls.

Former captain Babar Azam (57) anchored Pakistan's chase for a while but veteran seamer Tim Southee (4-25) led New Zealand's attack admirably as the visitors were dismissed for 180 in 18 overs.

There were a number of noteworthy performers on Friday. Southee became the first player to 150 wickets in T20 Internationals, while Pakistan's debutant seamer Abbas Afridi was the pick of their bowlers with 3-34.

Pakistan Cricket show UPS performer rights Shaheen Afridi Babar Azam Daryl Mitchell Matt Henry Tim Southee New Zealand Pakistan county Kane

Rachin Ravindra, who was this week named ICC Emerging Player of the Year for his World Cup heroics, was included on Friday in New Zealand's test squad for next month's two-match series against South Africa.

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New Zealand vs Pakistan Live Score, 4th T20I: New Zealand Off To Disastrous Start, Chasing 159

New Zealand vs Pakistan 4th T20I Live Updates: With their backs against the wall, Pakistan gear up for the private salvaging 4th T20I against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand's stand-in skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to field first. Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 90-run knock paved the way for Pakistan to post 158/5 on the board in 20 overs on a tricky wicket. (LIVE Scorecard)