Sun Mar 16 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s T20I Innings Crumbles in Powerplay Against New Zealand
**Christchurch, New Zealand:** Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand got off to a disastrous start in the first T20 International in Christchurch. The team suffered a catastrophic powerplay collapse, losing four wickets for a paltry 14 runs in the first six overs.
The absence of key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, omitted from the squad for this series, was keenly felt. The opening partnership lasted just two balls, with Mohammad Haris falling for a duck in the first over. The second wicket fell without a run on the board, leaving Pakistan reeling at 0/2. Subsequent wickets fell to Irfan Khan and Shadab Khan, leaving Pakistan struggling at 11/4 after the powerplay. The team played a staggering 28 dot balls during this period.
Captain Salman Ali Agha attempted to steady the ship, but the early damage proved irreparable. The team’s performance raised questions about the impact of the PCB’s decision to rest Babar and Rizwan, suggesting that the changes may have negatively affected the team’s overall performance. The remaining overs will need a significant turnaround if Pakistan hopes to recover from this disastrous start.
First Piper 