Pakistan's decision to exclude Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan indicated a willingness to venture beyond their established comfort zone in T20 cricket. However, this initial step towards embracing a more aggressive strategy in white-ball formats resulted in a disappointing performance, as they were dismissed for a mere 91 runs—marking their fifth-lowest total in T20 history and the lowest ever recorded on New Zealand soil. New Zealand efficiently chased down the target in just 61 balls, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

In the opening T20I against the Black Caps, first-time captain Salman Ali Agha led a revamped Pakistan team following a lackluster showing at home during the 50-over Champions Trophy and in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, the former champions faced a significant setback as New Zealand's pace attack dismantled their batting lineup, restricting Pakistan to just 91 runs in 18.4 overs. Kyle Jamieson was particularly effective, claiming three wickets in 11 balls during the powerplay, while Jacob Duffy concluded with impressive figures of 4 for 14.

New Zealand comfortably chased the modest total, reaching 92-1 in just 10.1 overs, with Tim Seifert scoring 44 runs off 29 balls and Finn Allen contributing 29 runs from 17 balls. Tim Robinson remained unbeaten on 18, sealing the victory with two runs off the first ball of the 11th over.

In the aftermath of this heavy defeat at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the Pakistan Cricket Board's selection committee faced significant criticism on social media, as fans expressed their discontent without restraint.

'We weren't up to the mark'

Salman acknowledged that Pakistan's batting performance fell short during the match against New Zealand and emphasized the need to reassess their strategy before the upcoming game in Dunedin on Tuesday.

“It was certainly challenging, and we did not perform to our potential,” Ali Agha stated. “Their bowlers executed their plans effectively, consistently targeting the right areas, and they benefited from both swing and seam movement.

“However, our batting was inadequate. With a day remaining before the next match, we will focus on regrouping and aim to improve for the upcoming game.”

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