In the opening match of the tri-nation series, New Zealand defeated hosts Pakistan by 78 runs.
Chasing a target of 331 runs set by New Zealand, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled, with the team being bowled out for 252 in the 48th over at Gaddafi Stadium.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra opened the innings for the visitors, but Shaheen Afridi struck in the first over, dismissing Young caught behind. Abrar Ahmed then removed Ravindra with the score at 39.
After losing two early wickets, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings, pushing the score forward responsibly. However, Shaheen Afridi broke the partnership by dismissing Williamson for 58 runs with the team’s total at 134. Tom Latham followed shortly, departing for a duck.
Thanks to the composed batting of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand posted a commanding total of 330/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Phillips played an explosive unbeaten knock of 106 runs off 72 balls, completing his century at a brisk pace, while Daryl Mitchell contributed 81 runs.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi claimed three wickets, Abrar Ahmed took two, and Haris Rauf picked up one wicket. However, Haris Rauf left the field in the middle of his seventh over due to an injury.
In pursuit of the target, Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a strong start, but his teammates failed to provide support. Babar Azam scored 10, Kamran 18, and Mohammad Rizwan managed only 3 runs. Fakhar Zaman fought valiantly, scoring 84 runs off 69 balls, but his efforts went in vain. Salman Agha (40) and Tayyab Tahir (30) also made notable contributions, but Pakistan’s innings ended at 252, with Haris Rauf unable to bat.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner took three wickets each, while Michael Bracewell claimed two. Glenn Phillips was named Player of the Match for his brilliant batting performance.
The second match of the tri-nation series will be played between New Zealand and South Africa on Monday in Lahore.
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