Christchurch, March 16, 2025 - Pakistan’s cricket team faced a tough day yesterday, Sunday, March 16, 2025. They were bowled out for just 91 runs in the first T20I match against New Zealand. This low score came as a shock to fans. It marked the start of a new era without star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Both were dropped from the team. Pakistan hoped to try something new in T20 cricket. But the result was disappointing. New Zealand won the match easily by nine wickets. The game took place in Christchurch. It was a day to forget for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s batting struggled from the start. The team lost both openers for zero runs. This was only the second time in history that Pakistan’s openers got out for ducks in a T20I. Debutant Hasan Nawaz edged a ball to the fielder. His partner also fell quickly. New Zealand’s bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy were too good. Jamieson took 3 wickets for 8 runs. Duffy was even better with 4 wickets for 14 runs. The bounce of the ball troubled Pakistan’s batters. They could not handle it. Soon, Pakistan were in deep trouble at 64 for 6 after 13 overs.
Khushdil Shah tried to fight back. He scored 32 runs, the highest for Pakistan. But it was not enough. He hit a short ball straight to a fielder. Mohammad Haris also disappointed. He scored only a few runs. Seven Pakistan players made single-digit scores. The team’s total of 91 was their lowest ever in New Zealand. It is also their fifth-lowest in T20I cricket. Fans were upset. They expected more from this new-look team. Without Babar and Rizwan, the batting looked weak.
New Zealand chased the target easily. Tim Seifert scored 44 runs. Finn Allen added 29 not out. They lost just one wicket. The Black Caps finished the game quickly. It was a big win for them. Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s women’s team also won their match. It was a great double-header day for the home side in Christchurch. Pakistan’s bowlers could not stop the New Zealand batters. The match showed how much work Pakistan needs to do.
The decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan was bold. Both are big names in Pakistan cricket. They have scored many runs in the past. The team wanted to step out of their comfort zone. They tried new players like Hasan Nawaz. But the plan did not work this time. Experts say Pakistan’s T20 cricket is usually strong. However, this match showed the risks of change. Fans on social media were unhappy. Some said the team missed Babar and Rizwan. Others asked for more time to build the new squad.
Here is a table showing Pakistan’s batting scorecard:
| Player | Runs | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hasan Nawaz | 0 | Out (caught) |
| Second Opener | 0 | Out (caught) |
| Khushdil Shah | 32 | Out (caught) |
| Mohammad Haris | 7 | Out |
| Others (7 players) | Single digits | Out |
| Total | 91 | All Out |
New Zealand’s bowlers deserve credit. Jamieson and Duffy shared seven wickets. Their height and bounce were perfect for the pitch. Pakistan’s batters could not adjust. The loss has raised questions. Can this new team succeed? Will Babar and Rizwan return? The next match in the five-game series is soon. Pakistan needs to improve fast. Fans hope for a better show. For now, the post Babar-Rizwan era has started with a whimper.
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