Auckland, January 12, 2024, The Europe Today: In an exhilarating match at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand emerged victorious against Pakistan by 46 runs, dampening Shaheen Afridi’s debut as T20I captain. Opting to field first, Pakistan struggled to contain New Zealand’s onslaught, with Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson contributing half-centuries alongside Finn Allen’s aggressive batting. Debutant Abbas Afridi’s commendable bowling effort (3 for 34) couldn’t prevent the home side from posting a formidable total of 226, thanks to a late surge from Mark Chapman.
Pakistan retaliated with determination but lacked the precision displayed by New Zealand. The hosts consistently took wickets, disrupting Pakistan’s pursuit of the challenging target. Tim Southee played a pivotal role, becoming the first player to reach 150 T20I wickets and securing four crucial dismissals. Despite Babar Azam’s impressive half-century, Pakistan struggled to control the escalating asking rate, eventually folding for 180. The late collapse, losing the last four wickets in 11 balls for seven runs, handed New Zealand the early advantage in the series.
