New Zealand thrash Pakistan by seven wickets in the first T20 match

New Zealand thrash Pakistan in the first T20I by seven wickets to go 1-0 up in the three-match series in Wellington on Monday.

After a horrid show in the ODI series, the Men in Green were hoping for a change of fortunes with the change in format, but it proved not to be as another top order collapse left the team reeling at six for 38 in the 10th over.

Some late order resistance helped the visitors get over the 100-run mark and were eventually bowled out for 105 in the last over of the innings.

Young Babar Azam and pacer Hasan Ali were the only two players who managed to get into double figures.Babar finished the innings with the top score of 41 off 41,whereas Hasan scored



quick-fire 23 off 12 balls.

For the Black Caps, stand-in captain Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed three wickets and just gave away 13 runs in his four over. He was well supported by fellow new-ball pacer Seth Rance, who also picked three wickets but was a little expensive in the later part of the innings.Chasing 106 was never going to be tough, but the Kiwis lost two wickets inside four overs, courtesy Rumman Raees’ immaculate line and length.

However, opener Colin Munro made sure nothing comes in the way of the team’s success as he scored an unbeaten 49 off just 43 with the help of three fours, for which he was also named the player of the match.