Pakistan bounced back from a shaky beginning to secure a narrow victory over New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at the renowned Gaddafi Stadium.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan struggled to establish a strong opening, as their reliable duo, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, were dismissed early in the game.
New Zealand’s right-arm fast bowler, Adam Milne, skillfully took Rizwan’s wicket using a pair of out-swingers, followed by a direct hit on his pads, earning the visitors their first breakthrough in the second over.
Milne continued to utilize his speed to challenge Pakistan’s batters, ultimately claiming the valuable wicket of captain Babar Azam, who was bowled out after scoring just seven runs.
Among five players who returned after being rested in Pakistan’s previous series against Afghanistan, Pace bowler Haris Rauf achieved his career-best performance with 4-18 as New Zealand was bowled out for 94 in 15.3 overs.
Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim claimed 2-2 in his single over, taking both wickets on consecutive deliveries.
Mark Chapman led the scoring with a 27-ball 34, which included four boundaries and one six, while captain Tom Latham contributed a 24-ball 20.
Rauf’s earlier best T20 record of 4-22 had also been achieved against New Zealand in Sharjah in 2021.
Pakistan Squad:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
New Zealand:
Tom Latham (wk/c), James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Ben Liste
