PAK vs NZ: Pakistan Register Unwanted Record In Shaheen Shah Afridi's First T20I As Captain

Pakistan suffered a huge defeat against New Zealand in the first T20I at Eden Park in Auckland. It was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first match as Pakistan’s T20I skipper and he had a forgetful day at the office as he got smoked for 24 runs in his second over by Finn Allen. He gave 46 runs in his spell of four overs and took three wickets. Afridi was also out for a duck during Pakistan’s innings.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Co. set an unwanted record during the first T20I. The Pakistani bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the Kiwis as they displayed their batting prowess, amassing a formidable total of 226/8 in 20 overs. This is the highest-ever total conceded in T20 International cricket by Pakistan, eclipsing the previous record against England. England managed to score 221/3 against the Men in Green in Lahore in 2022.

Pakistan Struggling To Win A Match Since The ODI World Cup Encounter Against New Zealand

Pakistan have not won a single match since their win against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup 2023. They have played six matches which includes a warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI but still have failed to win a single match. They were whitewashed by Australia in the recently concluded Test series where they were beaten 3-0. Now, they are facing New Zealand in a five-match T20I series and have already lost the first T20I.

Pakistan’s ex-captain Babar Azam was the best performer for Pakistan as he scored his 31st T20I fifty. He scored 57 off 35 deliveries smashing five boundaries and two maximums in the innings. Babar Azam has not been in the best of forms since his ODI World Cup campaign. He has been struggling with the bat as he failed to score a single fifty-plus score in the recently concluded Test series against Australia. This innings against New Zealand would have gotten him his confidence back.

Pakistan will face New Zealand at the Seddon Park in Hamilton for the second T20I on January 14. Shaheen Shah Afridi will hope to get his first win as the national team captain and will also try to win the series in New Zealand. The third T20I will be played in Dunedin whereas the last two games will be played in Christchurch.