More batting woe for Pakistan in T20I against New Zealand

Pakistan's batting woe continued Monday in the first T20I against New Zealand in Wellington as they were bundled out for 105. Only Babar Azam and Hasan Ali, in a 30-run partnership for the eighth wicket, reached double figure. Babar was the last man out for 41, with two balls remaining in the innings, while Hasan (23) distinguished himself with a huge six to see Pakistan pass their lowest T20I score of 74 set against Australia six years ago. Before the late charge by Babar and Hasan, Pakistan had again been let down by their recognised batsmen, just as they were when losing all five ODIs against New Zealand. The tourist had hoped the change of format would bring a change of fortune but they were in trouble in the second over when Tim Southee, standing in as captain for the injured Kane Williamson, removed Fakhar Zaman for three. Fakhar's opening partner Umar Amin faced seven balls before he was captured by Seth Rance without scoring.

The constants on this tour so far:

Pakistan's batting collapses ☑️ Colin Munro's sensational form ☑️ New Zealand victories ☑️https://t.co/yIAOCtn72T #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/39OROxxlRj — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 22, 2018

Mohammad Nawaz, a regular tail-ender who never faced a ball in his previous seven matches, was promoted up the order to replace Fakhar and was dropped by Ross Taylor on the first ball he faced. He managed to get off the mark in the following over but only lasted nine balls before he became Southee's second victim and was gone for seven. Anaru Kitchen dismissed Haris Sohail for nine and Pakistan were four for 22 in the sixth over. Southee finished with the best New Zealand figure of three for 13 while Seth Rance took three for 26. New Zealand went on to win the opening T20I against Pakistan by seven wickets with 25 balls to spare. Colin Munro was left 49 not out as they reached their 106 run target for the loss of three wickets in the 16th over.

Oh no, things continue to go wrong for the visitors. Sarfraz Ahmed slips and is stumped ... next ball is caught behind for a golden duck! 38-6 ... Santner's on a hat-trick! #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/unSc7Z8KOz

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 22, 2018

BRIEF SCORE New Zealand 106/3 in 15.5 overs (Munro 49*, Bruce 26) beat Pakistan 105 in 19.4 overs (Babar 41, Southee 3/13) by seven wickets