NZ vs PAK - New Zealand score 226 in 1st T20I, highest score Pakistan have ever conceded

The initial innings of the 1st T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan witnessed a barrage of runs at Eden Park in Auckland. Despite Devon Conway's dismissal for a duck, the top order ensured a steady flow of runs, concluding at 226/8 in 20 overs. This marked the highest total ever conceded by Pakistan.

Finn Allen capitalized on the Powerplay, especially when he took on Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi for a 24-run over. However, debutant Abbas Afridi showcased his skills, dismissing Allen with an excellent slower ball. 

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Nevertheless, the Kiwis, led by Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, continued to dominate, forging a formidable partnership. Both batters reached their respective half-centuries, with the Kiwi skipper also achieving the milestone of 2,500 runs in T20I cricket.

However, Abbas Afridi returned and claimed two more wickets. The Blackcaps also got cameos from Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips, but a flurry of wickets towards the death overs ensured the score was just 226, or it could have been worse. Tim Southee added an interesting touch by smashing a six over short fine on the last ball of the innings.

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Captain Shaheen Afridi and Abbas Afridi each claimed three wickets, while Haris Rauf secured two. Chasing down this total will be a challenging task for Pakistan.

Squads:

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi (c), Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf.