Karachi:Mohammad Rizwan’s 77 not out and Naseem Shah’s 5/57, saw Pakistan thrash New Zealand by six wickets in the first ODI here on Monday.
Pakistan crossed the target quite easily, but not before keeping New Zealand under check. The visitors could make 255/9 on a slow track.
In reply, Imam-ul-Haq (11) and Fakhar Zaman, started off cautiously. Haq was caught by Henry Shipley off Michael Bracewell (2/44) for 11, when the score was 30.
Fakhar and Captain Babar Azam, forged a 78 runs partnership for the second wicket.
Babar used the crease superbly, going back even to good length deliveries and maneuvering the field.
Fakhar was foxed by Bracewell after making 56 off 74 balls with seven boundaries to his credit.
Rizwan started off slowly, but changed his gears after Babar was scalped by Glenn Phillips, stumped by Tom Latham for a well-nade 66 off 82 balls with five boundaries and a six.
Haris Sohail’s arrival at the crease off-loaded Rizwan’s pressure as he smashed a quickfire 32 off 23 balls with two boundaries and sixes each. He made a big dent in the required rate that had climbed over six at one point.
From there, Pakistan cruised to victory.
Earlier, New Zealand limped to 255/9. They lost Devon Conway early and then Finn Allen (29 off 27) after a brief cameo.
Kane Williamson and Latham tried to build the innings, but the New Zealand captain perished at 69, after scoring 26 off 39 balls. His innings was ended by a peach of a delivery by debutant Usama Mir.
Latham then returned to the pavilion after making 42 off 52 balls with three boundaries. He was caught by Fakhar off Mir.
Phillips (37 off 53), who came in, struggled due to the tight Pakistan bowling. Nothing was given away and the expected big hits at the end did not come either.
Naseem was the star as he got reverse swing and finished with a five-for.
