AUCKLAND: New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the first T20International played at Auckland on Friday. Chasing a target of 154 runs towin, the hosts scored 156 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18.5 overs.
Tim Seifert top-scored with 57 runs studded with six fours and a toweringsix. Earlier, Pakistan set New Zealand a target of 154 runs afterrecovering from a poor start.
The tourists ended their 20 overs on 153 for nine after winning the tossand electing to bat, scrambling back from an early collapse that left themon four for 20. Stand-in captain Shadab Khan top-scored with 42 from 32balls and Faheem Ashraf made 31 from 18.
Debutant Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for the Black Caps, takingfour for 33 and Scott Kuggeleijn finished with three for 27. Pakistan had arocky preparation for the match when 10 of their touring party testedpositive to Covid-19 during quarantine after arriving in New Zealand.
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Players also received a rebuke from local health authorities for floutingsocial distancing rules, and were unable to train until they were allowedout of their hotel on December 8. Stand-in captain Shadab Khan said it wasa relief to finally be playing.
