Pakistan’s bid to get over their lackluster Champions Trophy stint started on a shaky note as they were beaten comprehensively in the first T20I against New Zealand. Bidding farewell at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, the visitors were in early trouble thanks to destructive opening spell by New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson.
Jamieson Wreaks Havoc In Powerplay
Sent in to bat first, Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed under intense pressure from Jamieson. In the absence of mainstays Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the side was under pressure from the very beginning. The opener Mohammad Haris was bowled out for a duck in the first over by a wicket-maiden.
Jacob Duffy further troubled Pakistan with the wicket of Hasan Nawab in the second over. Jamieson kept the pressure on, removing Irfan Khan to the pavilion after a slow 1 off 6 balls. In his last over with the new ball, he got the wicket of Shadab Khan with the assistance of a stunning catch by Tim Robinson behind square. At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan was struggling at 14 for 4, a woeful beginning that would dictate the rest of their innings.
Babar & Rizwan Out After Champions Trophy Fiasco
Pakistan omitted Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad, but interim head coach and chief selector Aaqib Javed was unapologetic about the move. According to him, the move was intended to bring a new philosophy to T20 cricket and make players more aggressive in their approach.
Even though they have been left out of the T20I team, both Babar and Rizwan are included in the ODI series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to commence on March 29, after the five-match T20I series.
