Pak vs Nz first ODI at Gadafi Stadium Lahore. New Zealand posted a strong total of 330 for 6 in the first ODI of the tri-series against Pakistan. Glenn Phillips played a key role in the final six overs helping the team gain momentum. Until the 44th over, New Zealand struggled to score freely. Pakistan’s bowlers especially Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah took regular wickets and kept the run rate in check. However Phillips changed the game with a stunning performance scoring 77 runs off just 32 balls. He completed a 72 ball century shifting the advantage to New Zealand by the dinner break.
Earlier New Zealand chose to bat after winning the toss. The pitch at the new stadium appeared dry and flat but Pakistan’s bowlers made early breakthroughs. Shaheen Afridi struck in his first over dismissing Will Young with an edge to the wicketkeeper. Kane Williamson started cautiously while Rachin Ravindra opening for the first time in ODIs played aggressively. Ravindra hit four boundaries scoring 25 off 18 balls. However he fell to Abrar Ahmed chipping a simple catch back to the bowler.
Williamson and Daryl Mitchell then steadied the innings in Pak vs Nz 1st ODI. New Zealand’s scoring rate dropped below four runs per over by the 18th over. Mitchell struggled initially scoring just nine runs off 22 balls. However he broke the shackles by hitting Khushdil Shah for a six over the sight screen. Williamson also found his rhythm as the partnership grew. The run rate began to climb but Pakistan struck back with quick wickets.
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Shaheen Afridi removed Williamson who edged a delivery to Mohammad Rizwan. Tom Latham fell soon after misjudging the pace of the pitch and chipping a catch to mid wicket. Despite these setbacks in Pak vs Nz first ODI, Phillips’ explosive batting in the death overs ensured New Zealand finished with a competitive total. His aggressive approach including powerful hitting and clever stroke play left Pakistan’s bowlers struggling in the final stages of the innings.
