New Zealand secured a 46-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20I at Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday, January 12, claiming a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted their highest T20I score against Pakistan, reaching 226/8. Despite Devon Conway’s early dismissal for a duck, Finn Allen aggressively attacked Shaheen Shah Afridi’s second over, scoring 24 runs. Abbas Afridi, making his international debut, provided relief for Pakistan by dismissing Allen for 35 off 15 balls.
Captain Kane Williamson, returning to the team, contributed 57 runs off 42 balls with nine fours, showcasing good form. However, Glenn Phillips emerged as the standout performer, smashing 61 runs off 27 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen. Phillips added 19 runs off 11 deliveries.
Mark Chapman added a quick 26 runs off 11 balls to give the New Zealand innings a strong finish. Shaheen took three wickets for Pakistan but conceded 46 runs. Debutant Abbas impressed with figures of 3/34, while Haris Rauf claimed two crucial wickets.
Usama Mir had a challenging day, conceding 51 runs without taking a wicket. Tim Southee shone with outstanding figures of 4/25, becoming the first bowler to reach 150 wickets in T20Is. Milne and Sears took two wickets each.
The second T20I is set to occur on Sunday, January 14, at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.
