Green Shirts have set a 183-run target for New Zealand in the first match of the five matches T-20I series being played at the Gadhafi Stadium here on Friday.
The home side posted 182 for all out in their allotted 19.5 overs, with the help of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, both missed their half-century by three runs against Kiwis leaving cricket fans dejected as they were watching their batting with much anticipation.
New Zealand bowlers Matt Henry, Adam Milne, and Ben Lister restricted the home side to 182 by taking 3,2, and 2 wickets respectively.
The young batter Saim Ayoub remained impressive in the batting as he came two down after skipper Babar Azam and wicket-keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's early dismissals.
Rizwan was able to score four runs in 10 balls before he was sent packing, while the skipper managed to get nine runs on the board. Adam Milne was the bowler who got both their wickets.
The opening pair was rested for last month's Afghanistan series and the fans were excited to see their favourite batters in action, but they could not live up to the expectations in the first match.
Following their dismissals, Fakhar Zaman and Ayub's 79-run partnership helped Pakistan get back on track. Ayub smashed 47 runs with help of six fours and two maximums.