A new era for Pakistan white ball cricket got off to a rough start Sunday with a nine wicket loss to New Zealand in the first of five Twenty20 internationals. First time captain Salman Ali Agha led a new look team into the match which followed Pakistan's poor performance at home in the 50-overs Champions Trophy and began its buildup to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell said that his team could've restricted Pakistan to an even lower score after bowling them out for 91 in the 1st T20I.

Pakistan are in deep trouble after a crushing loss in the first T20I. Asked to set a target at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, Salman Agha & Co. faltered, managing just 91 runs. New Zealand’s pacers ran riot,