In the first match of the tri-nation series, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 78 runs. Chasing New Zealand’s target of 331 runs, the entire Pakistani team was bowled out for 252 runs in the 48th over. In the match played at Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and decided to bat first.
New Zealand scored 330 runs for the loss of six wickets in fifty overs while playing first. Glenn Phillips scored 106 runs while Daryl Mitchell scored 81 runs. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi got three wickets, Abrar Ahmed got two wickets and Haris Rauf got one out.
Chasing the target, Fakhar Zaman started the innings aggressively but no one could support him. Babar 10, Kamran 18 and Rizwan returned to the pavilion scoring 3 runs. Fakhar Zaman scored 84 runs on 69 balls. After that, Salman Ali Agha was prominent with 40 and Tayyab Tahir 30. Pakistan’s entire team was bowled out for 252 runs, Haris Rauf was unable to bat due to ribs pain.
Matt Henry and Santner took three wickets each, Bracewell took two wickets. New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips was adjudged player of the match for his brilliant batting. The second match of the tri-nation series between New Zealand and South Africa will be played in Lahore on Monday.
