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Haris Rauf's Four-Wicket Haul Powers Pakistan to Resounding Win Over New Zealand in 1st T20I

image-lggyh5ggHaris Rauf picked four wickets (Twitter)

Pakistan clinched a resounding victory over New Zealand in the opening T20I encounter by a staggering 88 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday. The Men in Green secured an early 1-0 lead in the five-match series with a dominating display.


How the battle panned out?

After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first, but their opening partnership failed to deliver, with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam departing within the powerplay. Nevertheless, the emerging talent of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman managed to stabilize the innings with a well-built 79-run partnership for the third wicket.

Ayub was the aggressor in the partnership, scoring a commendable 47 runs off just 28 balls, before his dismissal by Chad Bowes. After this crucial wicket, Pakistan lost a cluster of wickets and failed to bat through their entire quota of overs, eventually getting bowled out for 182.

New Zealand's response was dismal, with the team losing three wickets in the powerplay and struggling to establish any meaningful partnerships throughout the innings. The Kiwis kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for a paltry total of 94 runs.

Mark Chapman's 34 off 27 balls and skipper Tom Latham's 20 off 24 were the only notable contributions from the New Zealand side.

The Pakistan bowlers stepped up to the plate and made sure to complement their batting counterparts with an exceptional performance in the second innings.

Led by the fiery Haris Rauf, who spearheaded the bowling attack with four scalps, the Men in Green stifled the opposition's run flow and dominated proceedings. The rest of the bowers bowlers also chipped in with their essential contributions, ensuring that Pakistan comfortably defended their total.

The second T20I between the two teams will take place on Saturday, April 15, at the same venue. Pakistan will look to continue their winning momentum and take an unassailable lead, while New Zealand will aim to bounce back and level the series.

Brief Scores

Pakistan: 182/10 (19.5)

Saim Ayub 47 (28), Fakhar Zaman 47 (34);
Matt Henry 3-32, Ben Lister 2-30

New Zealand: 94/10 (15.3)

Mark Chapman 34 (27), Tom Latham 20 (24);
Haris Rauf 4-17, Imad Wasim 2-2

Pakistan won by 88 runs