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The first Twenty20 International match between Pakistan and New Zealand ended in a 46-run victory for the Kiwis at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday. Pakistan was unable to successfully chase the 227 target, despite a strong start from Saim Ayub (27 runs off 8 balls). In the 12.4 overs, Pakistan was 130-4 and had a chance to chase, but Azam Khan's poor batting performance made matters worse. Fakhar Zaman (15 off 10), Iftikhar Ahmed (24 off 17), and Azam Khan (10 off 9) performed poorly during batting for Pakistan, and Babar Azam's highest score of 57 runs off 35 balls was not enough to overcome New Zealand's big target.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand set a target of 227 runs while batting first, with Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell their top performers with 61 and 57 runs, respectively. Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets for 46 runs, Abbas claimed three wickets for 34 runs, and Rauf took two wickets for Pakistan. According to the match updates, New Zealand scored 226/8, and Pakistan responded by reaching 180 in 18 overs with a target of 227.
Saim and Rizwan opened the proceedings, with Babar Azam batting in the middle order. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first, with Shaheen Afridi making his maiden appearance as captain after Babar Azam's retirement. The last time Pakistan played T20Is was at home against New Zealand in April of last year.
In the playing XI, Pakistan had Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi, while New Zealand had Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell. Mohammad Rizwan, who was also Shaheen Afridi's vice-captain, was Pakistan's top run scorer in the series, while Haris Rauf was the most productive bowler.