Sun Mar 16 01:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Faces Crushing Defeat in T20 Series Opener Against New Zealand; Rumours of Hafiz Saeed’s Death Swirl
**Christchurch, New Zealand:** New Zealand thrashed Pakistan in the first T20I of their five-match series, winning by a massive margin. Pakistan’s innings collapsed spectacularly, with the team bowled out for a paltry 91 runs in 18.4 overs. The Kiwi bowlers dominated, with Jacob Duffy taking 4 wickets, Kyle Jamieson 3, and Ish Sodhi 2. New Zealand chased down the target in just 10.1 overs.
The match saw a stunning catch by Tim Robinson, reminiscent of Glen Phillips’ memorable catch in the Champions Trophy, leaving spectators awestruck. Robinson’s incredible diving catch to dismiss Shadab Khan was a highlight of the otherwise dismal performance by Pakistan.
This crushing defeat comes on the heels of a series of disappointing performances by the Pakistani team, and follows the recent appointment of Salman Ali Aga as captain after their poor showing in the Champions Trophy 2025. The team’s top order crumbled early, losing four wickets within the first 11 runs. Debutants Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, and Mohammad Ali failed to make an impact. The absence of former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, dropped from the T20 squad, further contributed to Pakistan’s struggles.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports of the death of Hafiz Saeed, a prominent figure in Pakistan, are circulating on social media, causing a stir. Official confirmation is yet to be released. Other news items briefly mentioned include an attack on police resulting in the death of an officer, and details of awards given out in the WPL.
First Piper 