Pakistan crushed New Zealand by 49 runs in the first T20I at the Dubai Sports City yesterday night. After being put into bat first, Pakistan were struggling at 134 for 6 in the 18th over but thanks to some late hitting from Razzaq and Tanvir got to 161. The Kiwis lost wickets early and were never in the race after getting reduced to 67 for 5.

The Black Caps were a weakened unit going into this match with Skipper Daniel Vettori opting out because of showing the after effects of taking a blow around his ear from a Mohammad Aamer bouncer in the 2nd ODI. The New Zealanders did well to keep Pakistan down to 56 for 2 in 8 overs after removing the Akmal Brothers cheaply. Imran Nazir at one end was doing all the damage with his crisp hitting but the opener couldn’t go beyond a 38-ball 58 (with 5 fours and 4 sixes). Skipper Shahid Afridi clouted a six over long on but his innings was just a cameo with 24 from 16 balls. Apart from Nazir and Afridi, there weren’t any scores coming in from the rest of the batsmen.

Pakistan had a good couple of last overs thanks to Razzaq (26* from 15 balls) and Sohail Tanvir (12 from 8 balls). Shane Bond was the pick of the bowlers giving away just 17 besides taking two wickets in his 4 overs. Aaron Redmond with his flighted leg breaks took the important wickets of Afridi and Malik but in the course also strained his groin.

After a sorry first over that went for 17 runs, Mohammad Aamer along with Sohali Tanvir struck back to make inroads for Pakistan. The inform Brendon McCullum who was leading the side got out square driving after a 13-ball 19 and was followed by Ross Taylor who got out to another loose cut shot. Pakistan kept on getting wickets regularly and the job for the spinners became too easy. The Kiwis were bowled out for 112 in 18.3 overs with regular opener Aaron Redmond not coming to bat at all. Imran Nazir got the Man of the Match award. The second and final T20I is tonight at this same venue.

Tags: Dubai, Imran Nazir, New Zealand Cricket, Pakistan Cricket, Pakistan Vs New Zealand, Shahid Afridi