KARACHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam scored a magnificent half-century before wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan to a six-wicket triumph with an unbeaten knock of 77 runs in the first ODI against New Zealand. Batting first, on the invitation of Pakistan captain Babar Azam, New Zealand could manage to amass 255/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

The touring side had a dismal start to their innings as they lost opening batter Devon Conway for a golden duck in the first over. Following the early setback, young opener Finn Allen attempted to launch a counter-attack on Pakistan pacers as he looked to accelerate his innings before Mohammad Wasim Jr struck to bring an end to his courageous 29-run knock. Skipper Kane Williamson then started the recovery for his side with Daryl Mitchell and added 32 runs for the third wicket before debutant Usama Mir cleaned up the former with a stunning delivery. Following the captain’s dismissal, Mitchell stitched a gritty 76-run partnership with Tom Latham and frustrated Pakistan bowlers as they batted for over 12 overs. The fourth-wicket partnership began to threaten the hosts as both Mitchell and Latham had settled down but Nawaz delivered a perfect Jaffa to castle Mitchell, who could score 36 off 55 deliveries.

The hosts then enjoyed another success in the form of Latham’s wicket while Usama celebrated his second ODI wicket. The wicketkeeper-batter remained the second top-scorer for his side with a 52-ball 42, laced with three boundaries. Following the slump, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell stood up for their team and stitched a vital 76-run partnership to bring their side back in the game. The duo appeared solid and was eyeing to accelerate late in the innings before Phillips mistimed a lofted shot and saw the end of his fighting knock. He could score 37 off 53 deliveries with the help of one boundary and a six.

After removing Phillips, Naseem ran through the lower order as he removed Bracewell and debutant Henry Shipley in consecutive deliveries. Bracewell top-scored for New Zealand with a gritty 43 off 42 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and a six.

With their side struggling at 220/8 in the 46th over, Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee added crucial 31 runs amid their ninth-wicket partnership before Naseem outdid Santner with a slower delivery to complete his second five-wicket haul in ODIs.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 10 2023

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