Lahore (Web Desk): New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the first match of the one-day international (ODI) tri-nation series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.
The Green Shirts’ chase of a steep 331-run target in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand ended in disappointment as they were bowled out for 254 in 47.5 overs.
Fakhar Zaman stood out with a valiant 84, but his efforts were not enough to prevent a humbling defeat.
The home side had a decent start, with Fakhar and Babar Azam putting on a brisk 52-run opening stand.
However, Babar’s cautious knock ended when he was dismissed by Michael Bracewell, leaving Pakistan on 52/1.
Fakhar, the aggressor in the partnership, continued to fight, adding 51 runs with Kamran Ghulam, but Ghulam’s scratchy 18 off 32 deliveries failed to provide enough support.
As Fakhar’s innings progressed, he built another key stand with Mohammad Rizwan, but the captain fell for just three.
Fakhar’s eventual dismissal for 84, including seven fours and four sixes, left Pakistan struggling in the middle overs.
Salman Ali Agha took charge for a brief period, adding 40 off 51 balls, but New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry, continued to chip away.
Agha’s partnerships with Tayyab Tahir (30) and Khushdil Shah (15) provided some resistance, but the wickets kept falling, and the chase lost momentum. Abrar Ahmed’s late resistance with a 25 not out from 15 balls wasn’t enough to push the hosts to victory.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 330/6, with Phillips' brilliant century guiding them past the 300-run mark.
The Blackcaps’ innings got off to a shaky start as Shaheen Afridi dismissed Will Young early.
However, Kane Williamson (58) and Rachin Ravindra (25) steadied the ship before New Zealand slipped to 135/4.
Daryl Mitchell played a key role in the recovery, scoring 81 off 84 balls, while Glenn Phillips took charge after Mitchell’s dismissal. Phillips unleashed a barrage of boundaries, finishing with an explosive 106 from 74 balls, and along with Michael Bracewell (31), helped New Zealand to a strong total.
Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard, with Shaheen Afridi claiming three wickets, but Phillips’ power-hitting in the final overs ensured New Zealand had a challenging total.
Despite Pakistan’s early partnerships, they could never fully recover after the loss of Fakhar, and New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack closed out the match comfortably.
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.
