PAK vs NZ: Defiant Pakistan overpowered New Zealand in the first of the five-match ODI series by five wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Notably, the previously conducted T-20I series ended in a 2-2 draw and Pakistan does not want to lose an opportunity to seize the ODI series.
Winning the toss at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi city, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam made an exemplary decision to bowl first. Batting first, New Zealand resisted the breathtaking bowling attack of the hosts and posted a convincing 288/7 runs total in their first innings of 50 overs.
New Zealand was off to a decent start as opening batsman Chad Bowes (18) and Will Young added 48 runs for the wicket. Furthermore, Will Young (86) capitalized on his innings and powered a splendid 102-run stand alongside centurion Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell (113) was absolutely phenomenal in his batting approach and he also anchored another vital 72-run partnership with Tom Latham (20).
The middle order could not provide the expected powerhouse performance in the end as New Zealand could not breach the 300-run mark. For Pakistan, Naseem Shah (2/29) starred in the bowling attack with a stunning bowling spell and was highly bankable. Shaheen Afridi (2/63) and Haris Rauf (2/65) also provided crucial support whereas Shadab Khan chipped in a wicket apiece.
Fakhar Zaman’s gleaming ton laid the foundation for Pakistan’s Victory
Chasing a modest total of 289-runs, Pakistan was off to a commanding start as frontline batsmen Fakhar Zaman (117) and Imam-ul-Haq (60) anchored a sizzling match-winning stand of 124-runs for the first wicket. Centurion Zaman captivated on the flying start and posted yet another marvelous 90-run stand for the second wicket alongside skipper Babar Azam (49).
In the end, the heroics of talented wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan (42) helped Pakistan to hunt the total in 48.3 overs. For New Zealand, Adam Milne (2/60) led the bowling attack whereas Tickner, Sodhi, and Rachin Ravindra grabbed a wicket apiece but their efforts went in vain in front of a resilient Pakistan batting attack.
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