AUCKLAND: Pakistan have started their tour to New Zealand on a winning note as they claimed a 16-run win in the opening Twenty20 of the three-match series here at Eden Park on Friday.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a target of 172, thanks to opener Mohammad Hafeez’s 61 off 47 balls.
Besides Hafeez, Umar Akmal and skipper Shahid Afridi also contributed 24 and 23 respectively.
In reply, New Zealand were restricted to 155 in their allotted 20 overs despite brilliant efforts by skipper Kane Williamson (70) and Colin Munro (56).
For the tourists, Wahab Riaz bagged three wickets while Afridi and Umar Gul claimed two wickets each.
Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who made his international return with the match, also chipped in with a wicket each.
Pakistan have take a 1-0 lead in the series and will play their next match against New Zealand on Sunday in Hamilton.