Pakistan’s new T20 batting lineup fell apart as the Green Shirts managed just 91 runs off 120 balls in their first match against New Zealand after the Champions Trophy disaster.
This is also one of Pakistan’s lowest T20 scores ever.
Pak vs NZ: Three Pakistani wickets fall in just 15 minutes
Three Pakistani cricketers sent back early by New Zealand.
The match began at 6:15am PKT, and before 6:30am PKT, Pakistan had already lost three wickets to the Kiwis.
Mohammad Haris, Hassan Nawaz, and Irfan Khan Niazi were sent back to the pavilion in a brutal start.
Later, Shadab Khan also got out, he made only three runs.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl.
The teams will play a total of five T20 matches and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in New Zealand.
Pak vs NZ: The new team
Ahead of Pak vs NZ, new captain, Salman Agha was quite hopeful.
“We didn’t play up to our standards or the expectations of our fans, which is why they are disappointed. But we have a new team, and that doesn’t mean it’s not a good team. There are experienced players in the squad as well, and we believe we have a strong combination to play good cricket and win,” Salman stated.
He also talked about new players, “Babar Azam and Rizwan have contributed a lot to Pakistan cricket, and now we are working on building a new combination. The playing XI has not been finalised yet, but we are confident in our squad and focused on delivering strong performances,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not include Babar Azam and other top players including current captain Mohammad Rizwan in the T20 squad for New Zealand. However, in the ODI matches against New Zealand Babar Azam will be seen on the field.
