Lahore (Web Desk): Glenn Phillips' explosive century-powered New Zealand set 331-run target for Pakistan in the first match of the one-day international (ODI) tri-nation series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, the visiting team posted a competitive total of 330/6 in their allotted 50 overs, with veteran batsman Kane Williamson leading the charge. Contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips further bolstered the total, ensuring the touring side had a formidable total to defend.
The Blackcaps faced early setbacks, losing Will Young on the fourth ball of the match to Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Rachin Ravindra soon followed, leaving them at 39/2.
However, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship, adding 95 runs for the third wicket. Williamson’s patient 58 off 89 balls helped anchor the innings, but the Blackcaps suffered another blow when Tom Latham was dismissed for a duck.
At 135/4, New Zealand's middle order found themselves in a precarious position, but Mitchell and Phillips combined for a crucial 65-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Mitchell’s all-round performance, with 81 off 84 balls, was vital before he fell to Abrar Ahmed.
Phillips then took charge, accelerating the scoring with his blistering 106* off 74 balls, which included six boundaries and seven sixes. His late surge, alongside Michael Bracewell’s quickfire 31, lifted New Zealand past the 300-mark, providing a formidable target for Pakistan.
Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming three wickets, while Abrar and Haris Rauf picked up two and one wicket, respectively.
The tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, runs from February 8 to 14 and offers crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy later this year.
Teams
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke.
