Pakistan humiliated by New Zealand in nine-wicket T20 defeat

Pakistan faced a humiliating defeat by nine wickets against New Zealand in the first T20 match played at Christchurch on Sunday.

New Zealand won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first.

Pakistan put up a disappointing batting performance, getting bowled out for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs.

Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with 32 runs off 30 balls, including three sixes. Salman Ali Agha contributed 18 (20), while Jahandad Khan made 17 (17). Abdul Samad (7 off 12) and Shadab Khan (3 off 6) failed to build momentum. The rest of the batting lineup struggled, with Mohammad Haris (0 off 6), Hassan Nawaz (0 off 2), Irfan Khan Niazi (1 off 6), Shaheen Afridi (1 off 8), and Abrar Ahmed (2 off 4) falling cheaply. Mohammad Ali remained not out on 1 (1).

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler, taking three wickets. Kyle Jamieson also claimed 3, while Ish Sodhi picked up 2, and Zakary Foulkes got 1 to dismantle Pakistan's batting lineup.

New Zealand comfortably chased down Pakistan's paltry target of 92 runs, finishing at 92/1 in just 10.1 overs.

Tim Seifert led the charge with a quick 44 (29), hitting seven fours and one six before getting dismissed by Abrar Ahmed. Finn Allen played an aggressive knock of 29 (17) with two fours and two sixes, while Tim Robinson remained not out on 18 (15).

Abrar Ahmed was the only wicket-taker for Pakistan.

Pakistan will play the second match of the five-match T20 series against New Zealand on March 18.