New Zealand defeats Pakistan by 46 in a high run scoring encounter in the 1st T20I

On Friday, January 12, New Zealand secured a commanding victory over Pakistan, winning the first T20I of the three-match series by 46 runs at Eden Park, Auckland. Opting to bat first, the Kiwis notched an imposing total of 226/8 in their allotted 20 overs, propelled by captain Kane Williamson’s 57 off 42 and a blistering 61 off 27 from Daryl Mitchell.

In response, Pakistan’s innings unraveled, with a lone resistance from Babar Azam, who contributed a valiant half-century with 57 off 35. Despite a brisk start from opener Saim Ayyub (27 off 8), unfortunate run-out ended his innings. Contributions from Mohammad Rizwan (25 off 14), Iftikhar Ahmed (24 off 17), and Fakhar Zaman (15 off 10) fell short as Tim Southee’s impressive bowling performance (4/25) dismantled Pakistan’s tail. Consequently, Pakistan was all out for 180 in 18 overs, handing New Zealand a convincing 46-run victory.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand faced an early setback with the dismissal of opener Devon Conway on the second ball. However, Finn Allen’s aggressive approach (34 off 15) and impactful innings from captain Williamson and Daryl Mitchell propelled the team to a brisk 50 in 29 balls. The Kiwis finished with an imposing total of 226/8, with debutant Abbas Afridi claiming three wickets (3/34) and captain Shaheen Afridi also contributing with a three-wicket haul (3/46) for Pakistan.