'We could have restricted them to a lesser score' - NZ skipper Michael Bracewell after bowling out Pakistan for 91

New Zealand are 1-0 up after beating Pakistan in the first T20I happened at the Hagley Oval, New Zealand. After winning the toss, the hosts decided to bowl first, and they restricted the visitors to just 91 runs. New Zealand registered a comfortable 9-wicket win over Pakistan. 

Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, and Kyle Jamieson put on an outstanding bowling performance that destroyed Pakistan's batting order and held them to just 91.  The Kiwis easily reached 92/1 in just 10.1 overs as they chased down the goal in reply.

New Zealand captain, Michael Bracewell, spoke about the match in the post-match presentation after defeating Pakistan. He praised the crowd and said it was difficult to manage Kyle Jamieson as he prepared for his fourth over. Bracewell also felt that New Zealand would have bowled Pakistan for less if only he had given the ball to Jamieson for his fourth over. 

"Was a great day in front of a great crowd. We have played against them domestically to have them in the same team, it was super difficult for them and they couldn't recover. Had to hold Kyle back for the 4th over, he was ready and at the top of his mark, it was difficult to keep them off the attack, maybe we could have restricted them to a lesser score, but it's always a challenge to rotate the bowlers around, especially in shorter formats like the T20s."

Also Read: NZ vs PAK 2025, 1st T20I Review: Kiwi bowlers wreak havoc, grant comfortable win

Player of the match Kyle Jamieson also talked about the game during the post-match presentation. He liked being back on home soil and looked forward to the bowling conditions. He spoke highly of his teammates and mentioned they have a good depth and players who can make good use of these conditions. He was also taken by Jacob Duffy, his fellow bowler during the powerplay, and Zakary Foulkes.

"It was nice to be back on home soil, favourable conditions, myself and Duff, we'll take these conditions and it was nice to cash in. I guess we plan for some carnage, for some balls to go out of the ground. Nice to get these conditions; we needed to keep the seam upright, and it made our job easy and was a clinical team performance. We have got a good crop of players, great depth and players who can exploit the conditions; it was a nice team win. He did an outstanding job at the top and the back-end as well, Zak as well, was just a great all-around performance from the bowlers." Kyle Jamieson said.