Pak vs NZ: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in first T20I

• Pak vs NZ: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in the first T20I
  

•  Debutant Jacob Duffy was declared "Man of the Match"

• All-rounder Shadab Khan says his team lost because of a slow-paced game in the beginning
  

AUCKLAND: New Zealand has defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the first T20I of the series which was played on Friday.

Pakistan scored 153 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs, while New Zealand made 156 run for five wickets in 18.5 overs.

New Zealand's debutant Jacob Duffy was declared 'Man of the Match,' after he took four wickets for 33, helping his side set up a five-wicket win.

Commenting on the defeat, Pakistan skipper Shadab Khan said the team could not grab more runs because of a slow-paced game in the beginning.

Pakistan had decided to bat after winning the toss. 

Before the match started, Pakistani cricket team captain Shadab Khan and New Zealand captain Mitchell Centenary participated in the unveiling ceremony of the T20 series trophy on Friday.

Captains of both teams interacted with the media during the ceremony. 

Pakistani team captain expressed confidence and vowed to perform well in the series against Kiwis.

Read more: Match preview: Pakistan lock horns with New Zealand in first T20

While Babar Azam's absence was a blow for the visitors, a blend of youngsters and the experienced ones were considered good enough to pose a strong challenge to the Black Caps. It, however, did not turn out to be the case.

Meanwhile, New Zealand team captain Mitchell Centenary said: "All the boys are excited, however, the series will not be easy."

Pakistan side, which already has a 13-8 record against New Zealand in the T20Is, went as the favourite in the first match as the hosts played without some of their top cricketers, including Kane Williamson, the regular captain who has opted out of the opener of the series due to the birth of his child.

Other notable members of the Kiwis who missed the opening game on Friday included Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, and the injured Lockie Ferguson.

Read more: Pak vs NZ: Shadab to lead green shirts against Kiwis in first T20I

All-rounder Shadab Khan led the Pakistan Cricket Team against New Zealand in the absence of Babar Azam.

The management made the decision after Skipper Babar Azam was ruled out due to a fracture in his right thumb earlier this week.