Pakistan vs New Zealand In a thrilling encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand set a formidable target of 331 runs for Pakistan, thanks to Glenn Phillips’ maiden ODI century. Pakistan’s chase faced early setbacks, making the contest a gripping affair for cricket enthusiasts.
New Zealand’s Innings Pakistan vs New Zealand
Opening Struggles: New Zealand’s innings began on a shaky note with Shaheen Afridi dismissing Will Young early, leaving the visitors at 6/1.
Middle-Order Resilience: Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship, contributing 58 and 81 runs respectively. Their partnership was crucial in stabilizing the innings after the early loss.
Phillips’ Power Play: The highlight of the innings was Glenn Phillips‘ explosive century. Coming in at a critical juncture, Phillips accelerated the scoring, reaching his hundred in just 72 balls. His onslaught in the death overs propelled New Zealand to a daunting total of 330/6.
Pakistan’s Chase
Steady Start: Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam opened the innings for Pakistan, aiming to build a solid foundation.
Early Setbacks: The chase faced hurdles with the dismissal of key batsmen, putting pressure on the middle order.
Middle-Order Efforts: Tayyab Tahir and Salman Agha attempted to anchor the innings, contributing 22 and 13 runs respectively. However, the mounting required run rate posed a significant challenge.
Key Moments
Afridi’s Early Breakthrough: Shaheen Afridi’s early wicket set the tone for Pakistan’s bowling attack, providing an initial advantage.
Mitchell’s Steadfast Knock: Daryl Mitchell’s 81 runs were instrumental in building a competitive total for New Zealand.
Phillips’ Explosive Century: Glenn Phillips’ rapid century was the game-changer, shifting momentum in favor of New Zealand.
Conclusion
The 1st ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand showcased high-quality cricket, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance. New Zealand’s strategic partnerships and Phillips’ exceptional century were pivotal in setting a challenging target. Pakistan’s pursuit was met with early challenges, underscoring the competitive nature of international cricle
Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st ODI – Second Innings Deep Dive
After an action-packed first innings that saw New Zealand posting a massive total of 330/6, Pakistan’s chase had all the ingredients of a thrilling run pursuit. However, New Zealand’s well-disciplined bowling attack and tight fielding made things challenging for the home side.
Pakistan’s Batting Performance – Key Highlights
Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam’s Start
Pakistan opened their innings with an experienced duo, Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam. They needed to provide a steady foundation to chase down 331 runs.
First 10 Overs: The duo focused on strike rotation rather than big hits. Fakhar, known for his aggressive approach, played cautiously, while Babar showcased his trademark elegant strokes.
Fakhar’s Dismissal (Over 12, Score: 59/1): Matt Henry dismissed Fakhar (34 off 38 balls) with a short ball that took the edge and landed safely in the hands of wicketkeeper Tom Latham.
Babar Azam Holds the Fort
With Fakhar’s departure, Babar Azam took charge, displaying an array of exquisite cover drives and flicks. His innings kept Pakistan’s hopes alive.
Babar’s Fifty: He reached 50 off 55 balls, ensuring the required run rate didn’t escalate too quickly.
Partnership with Mohammad Rizwan: Rizwan joined Babar at the crease, and the duo built a 67-run stand before Babar fell for 68 off 72 balls to a sharp turning delivery from Ish Sodhi.
Middle Order Struggles – Rizwan, Agha Salman, and Iftikhar Ahmed
Rizwan (29 off 32): He looked promising but was caught at deep mid-wicket while attempting to accelerate the innings.
Agha Salman (13 off 16): Struggled against spin and fell victim to Mitchell Santner.
Iftikhar Ahmed (24 off 18): Provided brief hope with a couple of big hits but was undone by a slower delivery from Lockie Ferguson.
At this stage, Pakistan was 205/5 in 38 overs, requiring 126 runs in the final 12 overs with five wickets in hand.
The Last 10 Overs – Nail-biting Finish
With Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan at the crease, Pakistan needed a big finish.
Shadab’s Heroics
He smashed three sixes and two boundaries in quick succession, reducing the equation to 55 runs off 30 balls.
However, his dismissal in the 47th over after a mistimed pull shot turned the tide in favor of New Zealand.
Shaheen’s Late Surge
With 30 runs needed off 12 balls, Shaheen hit two massive sixes off Matt Henry, igniting hopes for a dramatic finish.
However, New Zealand held their nerves, and Pakistan fell short by 14 runs, ending their innings at 316/9.
Match Result and Key Takeaways
New Zealand Won by 14 Runs
Top Performers
New Zealand
Glenn Phillips – 102 (72) (Match-winning century)
Daryl Mitchell – 81 (91) (Key middle-order contribution)
Matt Henry – 3/55 (Crucial wickets in death overs)
Pakistan
Babar Azam – 68 (72) (Classic batting display but lacked support)
Shadab Khan – 45 (22) (Explosive finish, almost turned the game around)
Shaheen Afridi – 2/49 (Early breakthrough in bowling and handy batting)
What This Means for Both Teams?
For Pakistan:
They need stronger middle-order contributions to chase big totals.
Babar Azam requires better support from his teammates.
Improvement in death overs bowling is crucial before the next match.
For New Zealand:
Glenn Phillips emerges as a reliable power-hitter in ODIs.
Spin attack was effective in the middle overs.
Their ability to defend high totals successfully boosts confidence for the next game.
What’s Next?
Pakistan and New Zealand will meet again for the 2nd ODI on February 10, 2025, at the same venue. Pakistan will be eager to level the series, while New Zealand will look to clinch an early series victory.
