New Zealand outplays Pakistan with a 46-run win
Cricket
Babar Azam remained a top-scorer with 57 runs off 35 balls
AUKLAND: New Zealand outclassed Pakistan with a 46-run win in the first T20 series match played at Eden Park.
New Zealand set Pakistan target of 227 to win.
Opener Saim Ayub ensured an exceptional start by knocking 27 in just 8 balls, however, the Men in Green failed to maintain the pace and tumbled at 180 runs in 18 overs.
Former captain of the Pakistan team, Babar Azam remained a top-scorer with 57 runs off 35 balls adored with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
With four wickets, Tim Southee, also completed 150th T20I wickets, Adam Milne and Ben Sears clinched two each.
While setting a mammoth score, New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson (57) and Mitchell (61) displayed their skills helping team to set a huge total against Pakistan
Afridi picked up 3-46 and Abbas 3-34, while Rauf took 2-34.
Finn Allen returned to pavilion after scoring 34 runs in 15 balls peppered with 3 fours and as many sixes. However, wicketkeeper Devon Conway, could not open his account and Shaheen Afridi sent him back with the help of Saim Ayub.
Earlier, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is leading Pakistan first time as a skipper, won the toss and decided to bowl first in the match.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamir Jamal, Usama Mir (Debut), Shaheen Afridi (c), Abbas Afridi (Debut), Haris Rauf
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Matthew Henry, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears
