Win Projections to be updated soon
1st T20I, Auckland, December 18, 2020, 11:30 AM
Pakistan
153/9(20.0ov)
New Zealand
156/5(18.5ov)
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 5 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Jacob Duffy
Commentry
Right! That caps of the first T20I! The Kiwis go 1-0 up which is always a good thing in a 3-match series. Pakistan will look to make a comeback in the next encounter. The second game will be played on Sunday, 20th December 2020 at Hamilton. The action will begin at 1900 local (0600 GMT). We will look for your company for that game. Until then, it is goodbye from our side. Cheers!
Mitchell Santner, the Kiwi skipper, starts by saying that it was a great performance from the lads with the ball. Praises Jacob Duffy for the way he stepped up. Is pleased for the boys. Says the confidence is high for the team and the energy in the field was outstanding. Says they are looking forward to the World Cup in India and are looking to give different guys an opportunity. Ends by informing that there could be a few changes in the next game as a few of their star players return to the team.
Pakistan skipper, Shadab Khan, says it was a good comeback by the boys after the loss of a few wickets early on. Feels it is difficult to make a comeback after losing so many wickets. Praises Faheem and Imad for their batting. Reckons that the pitch was a little two-paced, slow and bouncy. Says they were a bit rusty today but would be building on this experience after this match. Ends by saying that he is looking forward to the next game.
Jacob Duffy is named Player of the Match for his fine bowling performance! He says it was an awesome feeling out there. Tells that it is always daunting playing at Eden Park. Mentions that he was nervous but once he bowled the first ball, it was okay. Says the teammates have been really helpful even in the nets. Ends by saying that the people from his hometown down south have really encouraged him.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan's decision to bat first turned out a terrible one as they lost 4 inside the Powerplay. The score soon read 79 for 6 and it looked like they will collapse to a very small total but skipper Shadab led from the front and scored 42. Cameos from Imad and Ashraf took them over 150. The Kiwis were superb with the ball with debutant Duffy taking 4 while Kuggleign got 3. However, towards the end, they were smashed for a few but their starting exploits meant that the total that they stopped Pakistan to, was scaled down easily by their batters.
Pakistan started well with the ball but one would feel they were a few short. Afridi and Rauf were superb with the ball as they got 2 and 3 wickets respectively in their combined 8 overs but nothing came from the others and in the end, it was an easy win for the hosts.
Chasing the total, the Kiwis started poorly as Guptill and Conway early. Seifert though continued and along with Phillips added important runs and bailed the team out from early trouble. Phillips fell but Seifert continued and along with Chapman added 45 and kept them in the game. Seifert got to his half ton but failed to stay till the end but Neesham and Santner stayed till the end and took the team home.
A bit of stumble from the Kiwis but they have managed to keep their calm and sail through to take the lead in this 3-game series. They were spot on with the ball at the start. They got smashed for a few towards the end but with the bat, they stayed cool and calm and have gotten themselves over the line with 7 balls still left in the innings.
In over# 1
6
0
0
2
0
Wahab Riaz 45/0(3.5)
18.5
6
SIX! BANG! That's how you win the game! The skipper hits the winning run. Another short ball from Wahab but it is down the leg side. Santner swivels and pulls it over fine leg for a maximum. New Zealand win by 5 wickets.
18.4
.
Short ball, looks to pull but misses to get a blow on the body now. Wanted a run but Neesham said no.
18.3
.
Well-directed bumper! Santner looks to work it on the leg side but misses.
18.2
2
Low full toss, Santner chips it over cover and gets back for the second. Good running. 150 is up for the Kiwis and a boundary away from the win.
18.1
.
Full and wide outside off, Santner fails to reach out and connect.
In over# 1
1
1lb
6
0
1wd
0
6
Shaheen Afridi 27/2(4)
17.6
1
Follows the batsman does Afridi as Santner looks to make room. He manages it push it down to long on for one. 6 needed in 12 balls.
17.5
1lb
NOT OUT! A fuller one on the pads, Neesham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the shoes. The ball goes towards short fine leg. They take a leg bye. Neesham was looking for the second but he slipped at the other end. In the meantime, Pakistan have opted for a review. Let's see what the replays show. No bat show Ultra Edge.
Review time! It is for LBW!
17.4
6
SIX BANG! Length ball in the slot and Neesham connects it well for it to carry over the mid-wicket fence. He wants to finish this game early does Neesham.
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