Pakistan’s Top Order Outclassed New Zealand to Register 6-Wickets Win

New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1^st ODI: Pakistan’s Top Order Outclassed New Zealand to Register 6-Wickets Win

Pakistan and New Zealand played the opening one-day game of a three-match series in Karachi, and New Zealand has set Pakistan a win target of 256 runs. The toss was won, according to the latest cricket news, by Babar Azam, captain of the Pakistan cricket squad.

Karr invited New Zealand to play first, and they put 255 runs in the stipulated fifty overs while losing nine wickets. Kane Williamson, the captain, scored 26, Tom Latham smashed 42, Gaylen Phillip hit 37, Michael Bracewell bagged 43, Mitchell Santer added 21, Henry Shipley 0, Tim Southee 15 not out, and Lockie Ferguson scored one not out for New Zealand. Naseem Shah took five wickets for Pakistan. Osama Mir, who was playing in his first ODI, took two wickets, followed by Muhammad Wasim and Muhammad Nawaz, who each took one.

The run chase began with Fakhar Zaman & Imam Ul Haq on the crease. But, Imam got out early in the innings after scoring just 11 off 14 balls. Fakhar & Babar built partnership and helped the scoreboard move post 100 runs. After Zamand departed at 56 (74), Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s skill at handling spin bowling also stood out. Babar expertly utilised the crease, returning even to deliveries of good length and navigating the field. Rizwan moved slowly at first but picked up speed once Babar was expelled. It also helped that Haris Sohail showed up since he relieved some of the pressure.

Pakistan has successfully pursued the target. On a slow field, they restricted New Zealand to 255 runs. Naseem Shah picked up a five-for towards the end, and legspinner Usama Mir had an impressive debut. In their innings, New Zealand had trouble timing the ball and building any momentum. With a little dew, batting could have gotten a little bit simpler in the dark. Haris Sohail’s arrival was also helpful because it relieved pressure when he made a quickfire 32. He significantly reduced the required rate, which had once been above six. From that point on, Pakistan won easily. Pakistan chased down the target, scoring 258-4 in 48.1 overs, beating the guest by 6 wickets. Pakistan now leads 1-0. They used the throw well after winning it, being professional in every area.

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