LAHORE, Pakistan: New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday. Despite a fighting half-century from Fakhar Zaman, the home side failed to chase the imposing 331-run target and was bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs.
New Zealand’s dominant victory was powered by Glenn Phillips’ maiden ODI century and a disciplined bowling performance led by Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry.
Set a daunting 331-run target, Pakistan started with promise as openers Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam put together a steady 52-run stand. Fakhar took an aggressive approach, while Babar played cautiously before being dismissed for 10 off 23 balls by Michael Bracewell in the 10th over.
Pakistan’s innings continued to struggle for momentum despite small partnerships. Fakhar Zaman, who top-scored with 84 off 69 balls, built a 51-run stand with Kamran Ghulam (18) and a brief partnership with skipper Mohammad Rizwan (3) before falling in the 24th over. His innings featured seven fours and four sixes.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha then took charge, scoring a gritty 40 off 51 balls with two boundaries and a six. He shared key stands with Tayyab Tahir (30) and Khushdil Shah (15) before Michael Bracewell struck again to dismiss him.
Abrar Ahmed provided a late fightback with an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls, but Pakistan fell short as they were bowled out for 252.
New Zealand’s bowling attack was clinical, with Santner and Henry taking three wickets each, while Bracewell picked up two scalps.
Phillips’ century powers New Zealand to 330-6
Earlier, New Zealand posted a commanding total of 330-6 in their 50 overs after opting to bat first. The innings was anchored by Glenn Phillips, who smashed an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, including seven sixes and six fours.
His late fireworks propelled New Zealand past the 300-run mark, with the Blackcaps scoring 123 runs in the final 10 overs.
Phillips shared a crucial 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Michael Bracewell (31 off 23), accelerating New Zealand’s innings in the closing stages.
Daryl Mitchell played a pivotal role, scoring 81 off 84 balls with four sixes and two fours, while veteran Kane Williamson contributed 58 off 89 deliveries.
New Zealand had a shaky start when Shaheen Shah Afridi removed opener Will Young for just four on the fourth ball of the match. Rachin Ravindra (25) and Williamson attempted to stabilise the innings with a 35-run stand before Abrar Ahmed dismissed the former.
Williamson and Mitchell then rebuilt the innings with a solid 95-run partnership before Shaheen struck again, removing the Blackcaps captain in the 27th over. Haris Rauf added to Pakistan’s tally by dismissing Tom Latham for a duck.
Mitchell looked set for a century before he was caught off Abrar Ahmed in the 38th over, but Phillips ensured New Zealand finished strong, hammering 25 runs off Shaheen in the final over.
For Pakistan, Shaheen ended with figures of 3-88, while Abrar Ahmed claimed 2-56 and Haris Rauf took one wicket before leaving the field due to injury.
The defeat exposes Pakistan’s batting vulnerabilities as they failed to capitalise on a solid start. The absence of a significant contribution from captain Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, coupled with the injury to Haris Rauf, added to Pakistan’s woes.
Pakistan Playing XI
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 Playing XI
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.
