Tim Robinson pulls off stunning catch to dismiss Shadab Khan in first T20I

New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the first T20I against Pakistan at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, with bowlers making early breakthroughs.

After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first, and their bowlers immediately made an impact.

Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy dismissed Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz for ducks, while Irfan Khan Niazi fell to Jamieson for just one run. Pakistan’s hopes rested on Shadab Khan and Agha Salman, but Shadab was dismissed cheaply for three runs.

In a moment of brilliance, Tim Robinson took a spectacular catch to dismiss Shadab Khan. Jamieson bowled a delivery outside off-stump to Shadab, who went for a cut shot but failed to keep the ball low.

It flew towards backward point, where Robinson leapt to his left and took a stunning mid-air catch, reminiscent of Glenn Phillips’ famous grab in the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan’s innings fell apart, and by the end of the powerplay, they were struggling at 14/4. Although Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman were dropped early, Khushdil managed to hit the first six of the match off Ish Sodhi. However, Sodhi dismissed Salman soon after.

Duffy returned to remove Khushdil Shah for 32 off 30 balls, and soon after, Jahanad Khan was dismissed by Sodhi. Despite a few lifelines, Pakistan’s batting crumbled. Duffy wrapped up the innings by dismissing Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed. Pakistan were bowled out for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs.

Chasing a small target of 91, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen made light work of the chase, with a blistering 53-run partnership in the powerplay.

Allen, unbeaten on 29, and Tim Robinson, who scored 18, comfortably saw New Zealand across the line in the 11th over, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.