Auckland : Tainted Pakistan pacer Muhammad Aamir was booed today on his return to International Cricket . But that did not stop the tainted pacer putting up a memorable show for Pakistan against New Zealand at Eden Park . The left arm pacer reached the milestone of 100 international wickets . Riding on an all-round performance from skipper Shahid Afridi , Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 16 runs in the 1st T20 match at Eden Park , Auckland on Friday .
Mohammad Hafeez (61) anchored Pakistan to 171 for the loss of 8 wickets off 20 overs before he was dismissed by AF Milne in the 14th over. Shoaib Malik(20), Umar Akmal(24), Shahid Afridi(23) and Imad Wasim(18) all chipped in with useful contributions. Pakistan’s T20 captain Shahid Afridi picked up 2 wickets of Grant Elliot and Luke Ronchi , took 3 catches and scored 23 runs off 8 balls to be declared Man of the Match .
Chasing 172 to win , Kiwi batsmen Colin Munro(56) and Kane Williamson (70) scored 80 run partnership for the second wicket went in vain as the Black Caps lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 155, losing by 16 runs. Four Kiwi batsmen, CJ Anderson, Luke Ronchi, MJ Santner, and Trent Boult returned to the pavilion without troubling the scorers. Wahab Riaz scalped 3 wickets in his 4 overs . Umar Gul also picked up 2 wickets . Riaz dismissed Boult off the last ball of the innings as Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the three match T20 series against the hosts.
Brief Scores: Pakistan (171/8 off 20 overs) beat New Zealand (155 off 20 overs) by 16 runs .