Sports Report
KARACHI: Pakistan defeat New Zealand by six wickets as Mohammad Rizwan played solid 77 runs knock to lead the green-shirts in their successful run chase of 256 runs in the first ODI at National Stadium, Karachi on Monday.
The old firm of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam guided Pakistan to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in their opening match of the ODI series.
Batting at number 3, Babar Azam scored 66 from 82 balls before being stumped down the leg-side by Kiwi bowler Tom Latham off the off-spin of Glenn Phillips to provide a glimpse of hope for the New Zealanders.
But number 4 batter Rizwan – who was dropped by Latham on 31 runs the ball before Babar Azam’s dismissal – kept Pakistan on track with an unbeaten 77 runs from 86 deliveries despite suffering from a cramp late to end as Pakistan managed victory with 11 balls to spare.
New Zealand, batting first after being sent in by Babar Azam, struggled for momentum throughout their 50 overs, ending on 255-9.
Pak vs NZ: New Zealand poor batting
Earlier, the Kiwis had a poor start after losing the top order early. Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell contributed well in the middle order to pile up a decent score.
The tourists had seven players score more than 20, but the individual top score was just 43 from Michael Bracewell.
Left-arm pace bowler Naseem Shah took 5-57 for the hosts, but the tone of New Zealand’s innings was dictated by spin bowlers Usama Mir and Mohammad Nawaz.
Pakistan’s two specialist slow bowlers conceded just 80 runs of their 20 combined overs while taking three wickets, with debutant leg pinner Mir grabbing the prized scalp of Kane Williamson for his first ODI wicket.
New Zealand (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson(c), Tom Latham(w), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
