Twitter Reactions: New Zealand taste defeat at the hands of Pakistan

New Zealand were fresh from the drubbing they gave Sri Lanka less than a week ago but this loss would be truly shocking for them. A strong show from Pakistan bowlers enabled the visitors who defeated New Zealand by 16 runs.

Pakistan batted first and posted an imposing 171/8 in 20 overs. The batting was led by Mohammad Hafeez’s 47-ball from 61 runs. The middle order comprising of Shoaib Malik (20 from 18 balls), Umar Akmal (24 runs from 14 balls), Shahid Afridi (23 from 8 balls) and Imad Wasim (18 from 9 balls) also played quickfire innings. The bowling attack bolstered by Mohammad Amir’s return was ready to take on the mighty New Zealand batsmen.

The defense began well for Pakistan after Martin Guptill, who looked unstoppable in the last series, was run out in the second over. Kane Williamson and Colin Munro then combined together and provided stability and momentum to the chase. However, Munro was clean bowled by Wahab Riaz to open up the match. There was a flurry of wickets following the end of the 80 run stand between Williamson and Munro.

Suddenly the Kiwis saw themselves at 108/6 from 89/2. Pakistan then tightened the noose and the match was brought down to the last over where 20 runs were required for New Zealand to win. Wahab Riaz struck twice in the last decisive over with the wickets of Williamson and Trent Boult to seal the match in Pakistan’s favor.

All five Pakistani bowlers played their part in the victory. Wahab Riaz was the top wicket-taker today with figures of 3/34. Comeback man Mohammad Amir also picked up a wicket off the last ball of his spell. However, he might be upset about the two dropped chances which came off his bowling.

Here are the Twitter Reactions on Pakistan’s impressive win:

@SAfridiOfficial what a powerful reply to #ghatyasawal you beauty Lala#PakvsNZ #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/wL2SRtWtSa

— QA (@Qamar_110) January 15, 2016

https://twitter.com/CS_Says/status/687932621989539841

Wow… Pakistan hit the ground running #NZvPAK Well done Bhais!!!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 15, 2016

This is Us!! ??????
Million Dollar smile of Captain @SAfridiOfficial ☺️❤️
Go Greenies! ????#PAKvNZ #PakvsNZ pic.twitter.com/J4CPFrys0L

— Ayesha-عائیشہ (@Ayesha_ZaYain) January 15, 2016

1-0! Pakistan take the lead in the T20I series, as they beat New Zealand by 16 runs https://t.co/2qecOMLEdh #NZvPak pic.twitter.com/bbrDsXoKgs

— ICC (@ICC) January 15, 2016

Meanwhile, Amir claims a wicket on the final ball of his spell after two dropped catches. Figures of 1-31 #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/U1bXBgeFCD

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 15, 2016

Sometimes you can watch too many videos of the opposition. NZ running between the wickets Pakistani style ? #NZvPak pic.twitter.com/wz0pTTaKeD

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) January 15, 2016

https://twitter.com/emrnbichu/status/687929744080371713

Afridi living up to his BOOM BOOM name. Takes Henry for 20 in 4 balls. 134/4, with 4 overs to go #NZvPAK ^WN

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 15, 2016

Afridi has teed off at Eden Park:
6 4 4 6 https://t.co/lxLYQGZQ41 #NZvPAK

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 15, 2016

Updated. Pakistan's record after scoring 150+ in T20s

Matches 25
Won 23
Lost 1
Tied 1 (won in super over)
Win percentage 96.00#PakvNZ

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) January 15, 2016

https://twitter.com/HNakvi/status/687908366589554688

True Love? #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/kmsLAQVP7A

— iqbal theba (@iqbaltheba) January 15, 2016

#PAKvNZ: #Pakistan set 172 runs target for #NewZealand in first #T20 pic.twitter.com/6Yb4FPlYTf

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 15, 2016

McCullum not even in T20 Squad and not captain either but so popular :p cc @_Mansoor_Ali #PakvNZ pic.twitter.com/VXIDcHPdY6

— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) January 15, 2016

4 4 0 6 0 4 – 18 runs from Anderson's first over and Pakistan have raced away to 52/1 at the end of the batting powerplay #NZvPAK

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 15, 2016