Pakistan handed a meek New Zealand a thumping 88-run loss in the first game of their five-match series at the Gadaffi stadium. It also became a memorable victory for Captain Babar Azam as it was his 100th Twenty20 appearance.
After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bat first. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman made a crucial 79-run partnership off 43 balls --- both players scored a swift 47 each. After the duo was ousted, Matt Henry derailed the lower-order with his hattrick thereby restricting Pakistan to 182.
In reply, however, Pakistan's strong pace attack rattled New Zealand's inexperienced top-order. The visitors were bowled out for 94 in 15.3 overs with Haris Rauf picking his career-best figures of 4-18 for Pakistan.