NZ vs PAK 1st T20 Highlights: Kiwis hammers Pakistan by five wickets, takes 1-0 lead in the series

NZ vs PAK 1st T20 Highlights: The hosts New Zealand hammers Pakistan by five wickets in the opening match of the T20I series at Eden Park, Auckland. A fine half-century from Tim Seifert and handy knock from all-rounder James Neesham guide the Kiwis to a thumping victory over Pakistan in the first T20I. With this, New Zealand continues its winning streak this summer and takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

Meanwhile, the visitors put up a fighting spirit when at one stage it looked like they won't last their 20 overs, especially at 20/4 but thanks to the two emerging all-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf blitzy knocks which took Pakistan to a par total. Shadab and Ashraf both struck a couple of lusty blows at the back end of the inning. Shadab notched a quick-fire (42) while Ashraf played a cameo of 31 off just 18 studded with two fours and three huge sixes to propel Pakistan to 153/6 in 20 overs.

Debutant Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn did most of the damage in the early stage of Pakistan's inning. Jacob Duffy was adjudged 'Player of the Match' award for his exceptional bowling performance on debut. Duffy took 4/33 and Kuggeleijn grabbed three wickets by conceded 27 runs.

AM I seeing double?!

Santner SIX to win a T20I for the second time this season!

GREAT WORK boys, that's a five wicket win to get us started 👏🏽#NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/5q1RzIf7s5

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 18, 2020

4️⃣ overs
3️⃣3️⃣ runs
4️⃣ wickets

A Player of the Match on debut for Jacob Duffy 🙌 #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/9pRhki3oez

— ICC (@ICC) December 18, 2020

''Awesome (feeling). It was daunting, always is when playing at Eden Park. There was (nerves) but once the first ball was gone you relax a bit. The amount of messages I have received is pretty cool and a very proud moment for me'' said after the post-match presentation.

Earlier, Pakistan have won the toss and have opted to bat first. The Kiwi paceman Jacob Duffy made his international debut and Blair Tickner also returned to the home team. Devon Conway has replaced experienced Ross Taylor. For Pakistan, Abdullah Shafique replaces Babar Azam at the top-order.