Pakistan sets unwanted record in first T20I against New Zealand

Pakistan’s batting faltered badly in the first T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand on Sunday at Hagley Oval, with the Men in Green posting their fifth-lowest total in T20I cricket history.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan was bowled out for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs. This score is now their fifth-lowest T20I total, with their lowest being 74 runs against Australia in 2012. 

Pakistan’s lowest T20I totals:

• 74 | vs Australia | Dubai, 2012
• 82 | vs West Indies | Mirpur, 2014
• 83 | vs India | Mirpur, 2016
• 89 | vs England | Cardiff, 2010
• 91 | vs New Zealand | Christchurch, 2025

It also became Pakistan's lowest-ever total against New Zealand in T20Is, surpassing their previous record of 101 runs set in Wellington in 2016.

Pakistan’s lowest T20I totals against New Zealand:

• 91 | Christchurch, 2025
• 101 | Wellington, 2016
• 105 | Wellington, 2018
• 127 | Dubai, 2014
• 130/7 | Christchurch, 2022

In the match, New Zealand comfortably defeated Pakistan by nine wickets in the first T20I of the series at Hagley Oval. Chasing a modest target of 92, openers Tim Seifert (44) and Finn Allen (29*) put on a solid 53-run stand in the powerplay. Seifert fell to Abrar Ahmed, but Tim Robinson (18) helped complete the chase in the 11th over, giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead.

Pakistan’s batting faltered as they were bowled out for just 91. Kyle Jamieson (3 wickets) and Jacob Duffy (4 wickets) were the standout bowlers, while Abrar Ahmed was the only Pakistan bowler to take a wicket. Pakistan’s collapse started with 11-4 in 4.4 overs, and despite a 46-run partnership between Salman Ali Agha (18) and Khushdil Shah (32), they fell short.

Zakary Foulkes then took the wicket of Jahandad Khan, who managed 17 runs, and Pakistan was struggling at 85-8. Shaheen Afridi also failed to make an impact, dismissed by Duffy for just one, leaving Pakistan at 89-9 in 18.1 overs.

The last wicket fell with Abrar Ahmed's dismissal, as Pakistan finished their innings at 91, just nine runs short of 100.

Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Kyle Jamieson claimed three. Ish Sodhi and Zakary Foulkes also contributed, taking two and one wickets respectively. 

With this comprehensive win, New Zealand now leads the series 1-0, with four more matches to go.