Big Win For New Zealand Over Pakistan in First Encounter of Tri Nation Series

LAHORE: Glenn Phillips’ explosive century, along with Mitchell Santner’s impressive 3/41, led New Zealand to a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 331, Pakistan could only manage 254 before being bowled out in 47.5 overs, despite Fakhar Zaman’s resilient half-century.

The home side started their chase well, with Fakhar and Babar Azam putting together a quick 52-run partnership. Fakhar was the aggressor in the stand, while Babar batted more cautiously before falling to Michael Bracewell on the final ball of the batting powerplay. Babar made just 10 off 23 balls.

Fakhar then shared a 51-run stand for the second wicket with Kamran Ghulam, who struggled to 18 off 32 balls. Fakhar continued to fight, forming a brief partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan (three), before eventually departing in the 24th over. He top-scored for Pakistan with a determined 84 off 69 balls, including seven fours and four sixes.

After Fakhar’s dismissal, vice-captain Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan’s chase and built key partnerships with Tayyab Tahir (30) and Khushdil Shah (15). However, Bracewell ended Agha’s stay at the crease, with the vice-captain contributing 40 runs from 51 balls, including two fours and a six.

Abrar Ahmed provided some resistance with a quick-fire 25* off 15 balls, but it wasn’t enough to steer Pakistan to victory. Santner and Matt Henry each took three wickets, while Bracewell claimed two.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 330/6 in their 50 overs, thanks to contributions from Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Phillips.

New Zealand’s innings got off to a rocky start as Shaheen Shah Afridi had Will Young (four) caught behind in the opening over. Williamson then joined Rachin Ravindra, and together they added 35 runs before Ravindra was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed in the eighth over, leaving the visitors at 39/2. Ravindra scored 25 off 19 balls, including five boundaries.

Williamson then combined with Mitchell to guide New Zealand’s recovery, putting on 95 runs for the third wicket before Williamson fell to Shaheen. Williamson made 58 off 89 balls, hitting seven boundaries.

New Zealand’s score dropped to 135/4 when Haris Rauf dismissed Tom Latham for a duck. Mitchell, however, held firm and formed a 65-run partnership with Phillips for the sixth wicket before he was dismissed by Abrar in the 38th over. Mitchell made 81 off 84 balls, with two fours and four sixes.

Following Mitchell’s dismissal, Phillips shifted gears, scoring an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, including six fours and seven sixes, to push New Zealand past 300. He also partnered with Michael Bracewell (31 off 23 balls) in a quick 54-run stand.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets, while Abrar claimed two and Haris Rauf took one.