In a one-sided encounter, Pakistan comfortably defeated New Zealand by 88 runs in their first T20I match at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday,꧋ April 15.
Opting to bat first, the hosts set up a big total of 182 runs on the board. Pakistan’s batting was led by Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, who scored 50 and 34 runs, respectively. The New Zealand bowlers struggled to contain the Pakistani batters, with Jimmy Neesham, Ish Sodhi, and Rachin Ravindra conceding 18, 34, and 9 runs, respectively.
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry pulled back things and was the main star for the touring party, taking a brilliant hat-trick. Henry dismissed Shadab Khan (47), Iftikhar Ahmed (0) and Shaheen Afridi (1) to accomplish the special achievement.
However, Henry’s effort was outshined by Haris Rauf as the latter produced a sensational bowling performance helping Pakistan pack the Black Caps for just 94 runs in 15.3 overs. Rauf, who was the standout performer, picked up four wickets for just 18 runs in his 3.3 overs. Afridi, Zaman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab also contributed wi🔥th ♑one wicket each.
New Zealand’s batting failed to get going, with Mark Chapman (34) and Tom Latham (20) the only batters to offer some resistance.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
3⃣.3⃣ overs
1⃣8⃣ runs
4⃣ wickets is named player of the m🤡atch for his sensatioಌnal bowling spell.🔥— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
Tremendous start to the series! We were able to win today’s game by great team effort. Commendable innings by &
I’m thankful to Allah for today!
On to the next one 🇵🇰— Haris Rauf (@HarisRauf14)
Good teamwork to🌌night! Expecting more of the same tomorrow 👏
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258)
Haris Rauf produced career-bᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ🐼ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚest figures to help Pakistan win the first T20I 🔥
— ICC (@ICC)
Great start, Hoping for betterment day by day.
— Saim Ayub (@SaimAyub7)
4-18 today are Haris Rauf's best figures in T20Is
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)
Haris Rauf in T20Is since that mad n⭕ight vsও India at MCG
Matches 7
Wickets 10
Average 16.00
Economy 6.27— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad)
What A Delivery From Haris Rauf
That's It, Pakistan Beat New Zealand By 88 Runs ❤️
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888)
Haris Rauf won his first international M.O.M award yesterday s💙ince Kohli bashed him in 2022 T20 WC.
— Raja Sekhar Yadav (@cricketwithraju)
What a start to t😼he series. Pakistan won the first match b♔y 88 runs. Brilliant bowling from Haris Rauf got four wickets for 17. 2 wickets for Imad Wasim in an over. Brilliant batting from Fakhar Zaman And Saim Ayub helped Pakistan win this match. Overall excellent captaincy from…
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial)
Haris Rauf confirms he's working on his variations for the 2023 World Cup in India.
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
𓄧Bowling rockets & smashing wickets only Haris Rauf thing🐬s 🚀 🔥
— 𝗭𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗔🏏🇵🇰 (@BabarFanGirl56)
Most T20I wickets among pacers since Haris Rauf's debut –
Haris Rauf: 74
Tim Southee: 59
Mr Adair: 58Lonely at the top. Hold that.
— KH SAKIB 🇧🇩 (@Crickettalkss)
🎃Haris Rauf for his four wickets is Player of the Match 🔥
— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy)
Babar told me I want 4 wickets fro♋m you: Haris Rauf
— Mariya Rajput (@mariya_raj10)