In the opening clash of the five-match T20 series in Auckland on Friday, New Zealand secured a commanding victory over Pakistan by 46 runs. Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 226 runs in their 20 overs. Kane Williamson contributed 57 runs, while Daryl Mitchell added 61 runs, guiding the team to six wickets down.
Facing the challenging target, Pakistan was bowled out for 180 runs in 18 overs. Aamir Jamal proved to be the most expensive bowler for Pakistan, conceding 55 runs in his four overs.
Notably, the match marked Shaheen Shah Afridi’s captaincy debut, with Abbas Afridi and Usama Mir also receiving their caps. Afridi made an impact early on by dismissing Devon Conway in the first over. Changes in the batting order were witnessed, with Saim Ayub opening alongside Muhammad Rizwan, and Azam Khan taking on the wicketkeeping duties.
The full squad for Pakistan included Muhammad Rizwan (Vice-Captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (Wicketkeeper), Aamir Jamal, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, and Usama Mir.
Kishmala Wins First Medal For Pakistan In 2023 Asian Games: Shooting Sports
Meanwhile, Pakistani sports shooter Kishmala Talat achieved a notable feat by securing the 5th position in the latest annual Asian Shooting rankings by the Asian Shooting Confederation.
Highlighted as one of the standout performers in the women’s 10-meter air pistol shooting category, the 21-year-old amassed a total of 2,505 rating points, firmly placing herself among the top five shooters.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is Kishmala’s elevation from being unranked in 2022 to the highest-ranked Pakistani athlete across all categories in 2023.
Kishmala’s remarkable journey includes clinching a bronze medal for Pakistan in the 2023 Asian Games within the women’s 10m air pistol event.
