New Zealand delivered a commanding 9-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 International of their five-match series at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Sunday, March 16, 2025, setting a dominant tone for the tour. The Black Caps’ clinical performance, both with the ball and bat, left Pakistan reeling, as reported by cricket analysts and live updates from the match.
Pakistan, batting first after losing the toss, struggled against New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Trent Boult and Matt Henry. The visitors were bowled out for a modest 134 runs in 19.3 overs, with Babar Azam top-scoring with 42 off 38 balls, but failing to anchor the innings, as noted in a match report on Cricbuzz. New Zealand’s bowlers capitalized on early wickets, with Boult dismissing Saim Ayub for a duck in the first over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling effort. Henry and Lockie Ferguson each claimed two wickets, restricting Pakistan’s middle order, including Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan, who fell cheaply, as highlighted in an ESPNcricinfo analysis.
In response, New Zealand chased down the target of 135 in just 15.4 overs, losing only one wicket. Captain Kane Williamson led the charge with an unbeaten 67 off 45 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, showcasing his trademark elegance, while Devon Conway supported with an unbeaten 51 off 35 balls, forming an unbroken 112-run partnership, as praised in a Hindustan Times match summary. The Black Caps’ aggressive batting dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah unable to stem the flow of runs, as detailed in a live scorecard update.
New Zealand’s victory, their largest margin against Pakistan in T20Is, underscored their dominance at home, where they have won 15 of their last 18 T20 matches, per a cricket statistic on ESPNcricinfo. The match, part of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in 2025, drew a packed crowd at Hagley Oval, with fans witnessing a one-sided contest that highlighted New Zealand’s superior form, as noted in a match preview.
Pakistan’s decision to drop key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad, following their underwhelming performance in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, appeared to backfire, with the team struggling to find rhythm, as reported by Hindustan Times. Coach Gary Stead praised New Zealand’s execution, stating, “Our bowlers set the tone, and Kane and Devon’s partnership sealed the game,” while Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi acknowledged, “We need to regroup and come back stronger in the next match.”
The second T20I is scheduled for March 18, 2025, at the same venue, with Pakistan aiming to level the series, while New Zealand seeks to maintain their momentum, as outlined in the tour schedule on Cricbuzz. For the latest updates on the series, follow cricket news platforms or the official websites of the PCB and NZC for live scores, player stats, and match previews.
