Pakistan got out for 254 runs in 47.5 overs while chasing an impressive 331 runs set by New Zealand.
In the first game of the tri-nation ODI series, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 78 runs at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday thanks to Glenn Phillips’ incredible century and Mitchell Santner’s crucial 3/41 performance.
Despite Fakhar Zaman’s heroic 84-run performance, Pakistan was bowled for 254 in 47.5 overs while chasing a difficult target of 331 runs.
With a strong 52-run partnership between Fakhar and Babar Azam, Pakistan got off to a strong start in the chase. While Babar batted conservatively until being removed by Michael Bracewell on the last delivery of the batting powerplay for just 10 off 23 balls, Fakhar was the more aggressive of the two.
Fakhar added 51 runs with Kamran Ghulam for the second wicket, demonstrating his continued importance to Pakistan. Ghulam only managed to score 18 off 32 balls as he battled to establish his rhythm. After a brief partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (three), Fakhar was removed in the twenty-fourth over.
Pakistan’s best score was still Fakhar’s incredible 84 off 69 balls, which included seven fours and four sixes.
Salman Ali Agha, the vice captain, spearheaded the comeback after Fakhar left. He formed partnerships with Khushdil Shah (15) and Tayyab Tahir (30) and hit a vital 40 off 51 balls, which included two fours and a six. But Bracewell pulled Agha away to stop his scratchy knock.
With a rapid 23* off 15 balls, Abrar Ahmed attempted to salvage Pakistan’s chances, but it was insufficient to lead Pakistan to victory. With Bracewell taking two wickets, New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner (3/41) and Matt Henry (3/53), held Pakistan in check.
Earlier, New Zealand chose to bat and scored a solid 330/6 in 50 overs. Will Young (four) was removed early on by Shaheen Shah Afridi, which contributed to the Black Caps’ difficult start. However, the innings was salvaged by Kane Williamson (58) and Rachin Ravindra (25), who both contributed 35 runs before Ravindra was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed.
After that, Williamson and Daryl Mitchell had a strong partnership, with Williamson contributing 95 runs for the third wicket. Williamson, though, was out for 58 off 89 balls. Following the dismissal of Tom Latham for a duck by Haris Rauf, New Zealand was reduced to 135/4 in 27.1 overs.
But Mitchell held his ground, smashing 81 from 84 balls, including four sixes and two fours. Abrar Ahmed removed Mitchell after he and Phillips had accumulated 65 runs for the fifth wicket.
Following Mitchell’s removal, Phillips assumed control and amassed an undefeated 106 off 74 balls, which included six fours and seven sixes. New Zealand reached the 300-run milestone thanks to his efforts. Their score was further strengthened by Phillips’ fast 54-run partnership with Michael Bracewell (31 off 23 balls).
The three most notable bowlers for Pakistan were Haris Rauf (1/23), Abrar Ahmed (2/41) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/88). Despite their best efforts, Pakistan was bowled out for 254 as New Zealand’s total proved too much to chase.
With a good all-around effort leading them to a resounding victory, New Zealand had a bright start to the tri-nation series.
