New Zealand v Pakistan: Tim Southee becomes first player to reach 150 T20 wickets in Black Caps win
- Published
Tim Southee (centre) made his T20 international debut against England in Auckland in February 2008
First T20 international, Auckland |
New Zealand 226-8 (20 overs): Mitchell (27), Williamson 57 (42); A Afridi 3-34, Shaheen 3-46 |
Pakistan 180 (18 overs): Babar 57 (35); Southee 4-25 |
New Zealand won by 46 runs |
Tim Southee became the first player to reach 150 T20 international wickets as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 46 runs in their series opener in Auckland.
Southee, 35, took 4-25 as Pakistan were dismissed for 180 after 18 overs in pursuit of 227.
Daryl Mitchell earlier top-scored with 61 from just 27 balls and captain Kane Williamson added 57 from 42 as the Black Caps posted 226-8 from 20 overs.
The second T20 of the five-match series takes place in Hamilton on Sunday.
Southee's figures mean he now has 151 wickets in 118 T20 internationals, 11 more than the next player on the list - Bangladesh spinner Shakib Al Hasan.
"Tim has been around for a long time and this is a credit to his consistent performances over a long period," said Williamson.
"But he also adds so much as a leader in our environment - a calm head and it's pretty good to have him out there with some young nasty fast [bowlers]."
Pakistan's seamers struggled to contain the New Zealand batters, conceding 21 fours and 11 sixes.
Debutant Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-34, while skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi ended with figures of 3-46.
Shaheen was leading the side for the first time since Babar Azam resigned from the role in November after Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockout stages at the World Cup.
Babar top scored for the tourists with 57 from 35 deliveries.