Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted his team failed to deliver in their crushing nine-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first T20I at Hagley Oval on Sunday. Struggling against a disciplined bowling attack, Pakistan collapsed for just 91 before the hosts chased the target with ease.
“It was difficult, we weren’t up to the mark, but we need to regather ahead of Dunedin,” Agha said in the post-match press conference.
Pakistan’s innings fell apart early, losing three wickets with just one run on the board. Kyle Jamieson removed Mohammad Haris for a duck, while debutant Hasan Nawaz was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Jacob Duffy. Vice-captain Shadab Khan failed to provide stability, scoring just three runs before becoming Jamieson’s third victim.
Agha and Khushdil Shah offered brief resistance with a 46-run stand, but Ish Sodhi dismissed the skipper for 18, leaving Pakistan in further trouble. Khushdil, the only batter to show some fight, scored 32 before falling to Duffy in the 13th over.
Khushdil Shah, who also spoke at the post-match press conference, talked about Pakistan’s struggles on Christchurch’s pitch, due to having several debutants in the team as well.
New Zealand’s bowlers dominated, with Duffy taking four wickets, Jamieson picking up three, Sodhi claiming two, and Zakary Foulkes adding one to restrict Pakistan to 91 all out.
“They bowled really well, in great areas, and there was a bit of seam movement as well. We will sit down, have a chat, and think about the next game,” said Salman Ali Agha.
In response, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen ensured a comfortable chase, with Seifert scoring 44 off 29 deliveries. After his dismissal, Allen (29*) and Tim Robinson (18*) guided New Zealand home in the 11th over, giving them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Despite the heavy defeat, Agha praised Pakistan’s three debutants and backed them to improve with experience.
“The more games they play, the more they’ll learn. The new ball does a bit in New Zealand, and we have good bowlers. We’ll look to do well in the next match,” he said.
Pakistan will aim for a stronger performance in the second T20I in Dunedin as they look to bounce back from a humbling start to the series.
