New Zealand v Pakistan, 2015-16
Wisden's review of the first Twenty20 International, New Zealand v Pakistan, 2015-16
15-Apr-2017
At Auckland, January 15, 2016 (floodlit). Pakistan won by 16 runs. Toss: New Zealand. Twenty20 international debut: T. D. Astle.
At 89 for one in the tenth over, New Zealand looked on course for victory - but the loss of Munro, after belting six sixes, started a slide in which five wickets went down for 19. Williamson held things together, but his side's fate was sealed when he skewed the first ball of the final over to deep square. Mohammad Amir made a low-key return to international cricket, claiming the wicket of Henry with his last delivery, after having two catches dropped. Earlier, Mohammad Hafeez had anchored Pakistan's innings, which received late impetus from the middle order - especially Shahid Afridi, who went on to strike twice in his final over, a double-wicket maiden.
Man of the Match: Shahid Afridi.
At 89 for one in the tenth over, New Zealand looked on course for victory - but the loss of Munro, after belting six sixes, started a slide in which five wickets went down for 19. Williamson held things together, but his side's fate was sealed when he skewed the first ball of the final over to deep square. Mohammad Amir made a low-key return to international cricket, claiming the wicket of Henry with his last delivery, after having two catches dropped. Earlier, Mohammad Hafeez had anchored Pakistan's innings, which received late impetus from the middle order - especially Shahid Afridi, who went on to strike twice in his final over, a double-wicket maiden.
Man of the Match: Shahid Afridi.