ISLAMABAD: Glenn Phillips’ scintillating century propelled New Zealand to a formidable total of 330/6, setting a challenging target for Pakistan in the first match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
After winning the toss, the Kiwis opted to take the crease first, posting a formidable 330/6 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks in large part to a dazzling century from Glenn Phillips.
The Blackcaps experienced a shaky start, with Shaheen Shah Afridi striking early to dismiss Will Young behind the stumps on just the fourth ball of the match.
However, the resilient Kane Williamson joined forces with Rachin Ravindra, and together they steadied the ship, contributing 35 runs to the total before Ravindra fell to Abrar Ahmed in the eighth over, leaving the score at 39 for 2. Ravindra’s brisk innings included 25 runs off 19 balls, featuring five crisp boundaries.
Williamson then teamed up with Mitchell to orchestrate a recovery, combining for a vital 95-run partnership for the third wicket until Shaheen returned to claim Williamson’s wicket. The experienced batter made 58 runs off 89 balls, striking seven boundaries along the way.
New Zealand soon found themselves in a precarious position at 135/4 after Haris Rauf sent Tom Latham packing for a duck. Yet, Mitchell stood resolute, forging a crucial 65-run alliance for the sixth wicket with Phillips before falling to Abrar Ahmed in the 38th over. Mitchell’s innings was a solid 81 runs off 84 balls, adorned with two fours and four towering sixes.
With Mitchell’s departure, Glenn Phillips shifted into high gear, propelling New Zealand’s score past the 300-run mark with an explosive unbeaten 106 runs off just 74 deliveries, embellished with six fours and seven sixes. He also partnered with Michael Bracewell, who chipped in with a quick-fire 31 runs off 23 balls, including one four and three sixes, contributing to a 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
On the bowling front for Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout, claiming three wickets, while Abrar Ahmed grabbed two, and Haris Rauf added one to his tally.
