PAK vs NZ: Pakistan Continue Woeful Run! Men in Green Achieve New Low In 1st T20I Against New Zealand

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PAK vs NZ: Pakistan's tour of New Zealand got off to a disappointing start as they were dismissed for a mere 91 runs in the opening match of the five-match T20I series at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on March 16.

This was Pakistan's lowest total against New Zealand in T20Is, surpassing their previous lowest of 101, recorded in Wellington in 2016. It also marked their fifth-lowest score in T20I history and their lowest since being bowled out for 83 by India in the 2016 Asia Cup.

New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss and chose to field first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Pakistan, led by captain Salman Agha, introduced three debutants-Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, and Mohammad Ali-but the new-look side struggled from the outset.

Salman had expressed excitement about the fresh faces before the game, saying, "We're playing with a new combination. I am very excited for the new guys, I think they are going to have a blast." However, things did not go as planned.

Pakistan's innings got off to a nightmarish start as they lost wickets in quick succession. Mohammad Haris departed without scoring in the first over, falling to Kyle Jamieson.

Hasan Nawaz followed suit, getting dismissed for a two-ball duck by Jacob Duffy. Jamieson struck again, removing Irfan Khan, leaving Pakistan reeling at 3/1. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan had slumped to 14/4, with vice-captain Shadab Khan also back in the pavilion.

Salman and Khushdil Shah attempted to stabilize the innings but had luck on their side as both were dropped early. Khushdil struck the team's first six in the 10th over off Ish Sodhi but couldn't build on it. Sodhi dismissed Salman shortly after, reducing Pakistan to 57/5. Duffy then returned to claim Khushdil's wicket for a 30-ball 32.

Jahanad Khan provided a brief fightback with a run-a-ball 17, including a fortunate six off a dropped catch. However, Ish Sodhi struck again to send Abdul Samad packing, while Zak Foulkes chipped in by dismissing Jahanad. Duffy wrapped up Pakistan's innings in the penultimate over by removing Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, bundling them out for 91 in just 18.4 overs.

New Zealand's clinical bowling performance ensured Pakistan never found their rhythm, handing them a harsh reality check at the start of the series. With four matches remaining, the visitors will need to regroup quickly if they hope to bounce back from this crushing defeat.