Pak vs NZ: Pakistan lose nine wickets for 153 runs in 20 overs

Pakistan has decided to bat after winning the toss in the first T20 match between Pakistan and New Zealand being played in Auckland today.

Before the match started, Pakistani cricket team captain Shadab Khan and New Zealand captain Mitchell Centenary participated in the unveiling ceremony of the T20 series trophy on Friday. Captains of both teams interacted with the media during the ceremony.

Pakistani team captain expressed confidence and vowed to perform well in the series against Kiwis. While Babar Azam's absence is a blow for the visitors, a blend of youngsters and the experienced ones is good enough to pose a strong challenge to the Black Caps.

Meanwhile, New Zealand team captain Mitchell Centenary said: "All the boys are excited, however, the series will not be easy."

Pakistan, who already have a 13-8 record against New Zealand in the T20Is, will go as favorites in the first match as the hosts will be without some of their top cricketers, including Kane Williamson, the regular captain who has opted out of the opener of the series due to the birth of his child.

Other notable members of the Kiwis who will miss the opening game on Friday are Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, and the injured Lockie Ferguson. All-rounder Shadab Khan will be leading the Pakistan Cricket Team against New Zealand in the absence of Babar Azam.

The management has made the decision after Skipper Babar Azam was ruled out due to a fracture in his right thumb earlier this week.

Stand-in captain Shadab saved Green Shirts after they suffered a horrible collapse, losing four wickets for just 20 runs.

The 22-year-old Shadab made 32-ball 42 which included three sixes and two fours while Faheem Ashraf made 31 in just 18 balls. Imad Wasim scored 14-ball 19.

The new opening pair of wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique couldn’t do wonders as debutant Jacob Duffy ripped off Pakistan’s top-order. Pakistan lost three wickets in three balls and was teetering at 20/4 in 4.1 overs.

Duffy finished with figures of 4/33 while Scott Kuggeleijn claimed figures of 3/27. Ish Sodhi and Blair Tickner took one each.

 

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