AUCKLAND (New Zealand): New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets in the first Twenty20 international at here on Friday.
The Black Caps ended on 156 for five with seven balls to spare after losing the toss and being set a target of 154.
Tim Seifert top-scored for the hosts with 57, while debutant paceman Jacob Duffy took four for 33.
Pakistan never recovered from a slow start, despite a fighting 42 from stand-in captain Shadab Khan.
Haris Rauf was the tourists’ best bowler, taking three for 29.
Pakistan had a rocky preparation for the match when 10 of their touring party tested positive for Covid-19 during quarantine after arriving in New Zealand.
Players also received a rebuke from local health authorities for flouting social distancing rules, and were unable to train until they were allowed out of their hotel on December 8.
In contrast, New Zealand were coming off a 2-0 series win over the West Indies and playing in home conditions.
“We looked a little bit rusty out there,” Khan admitted, saying the variable pace of the pitch made it tough for Pakistan’s batsmen.
“We’ve had an international game now so definitely in the next game we’ll do better.”
Man of the match Duffy made a sensational start, dismissing opener Abdullah Shafique for a duck in his first over.
