Images/credits @PCB
The much-anticipated first T20 match of Pakistan’s 2025 tour of New Zealand kicked off with New Zealand winning the toss and electing to bowl first.
Pakistan’s recent struggles in both batting and bowling have raised serious concerns among cricket fans and analysts. Despite multiple chances and disappointing performances in the ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan selection committee made a bold decision by dropping key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, the new strategy failed to turn things around.
Facing a strong New Zealand bowling attack, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed yet again, managing to score only 91 runs before being bowled out. This dismal performance has intensified debates about the team’s ongoing issues, with experts sharing different opinions on the root causes.
New Zealand’s openers made light work of the target, comfortably chasing it down in just 10.1 overs, securing a dominant victory. As Pakistan looks ahead to the next matches, serious questions remain about their team composition and ability to bounce back in the series.
Mohammad Harris and Hasan Nawaz were dismissed for ducks, putting early pressure on the team. Salman Agha (18 off 20) and Khushdil (32 off 30) provided some resistance but couldn’t convert their starts into big scores. Jahandad Khan was the standout performer, scoring 17 off 17 at a strike rate of 100. Jacob Duffy (4 wickets) and Kyle Jamieson (3 wickets) were the main destroyers for New Zealand
