Pakistan defeated the visiting New Zealand by 5 wickets in the first ODI of the five-match series held in Rawalpindi. New Zealand scored 288 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. In response, the hosts confirmed the victory with 9 and 5 wickets in hand.
Two openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam ul Haq gave Pakistan a great start chasing runs. These two left-handed batsmen scored 124 runs in the opening pair. That is how Pakistan got the basis for victory. After completing his fifty, Imam stopped at 64 runs.
This time, Fakhar made a 100-run partnership with Pakistani team leader Babar Azam, who came down for the second wicket. The victory is pretty much guaranteed for the hosts. Babar was dismissed for 49 runs. And Fakhar stopped at 117 runs after completing his century. The 14-ball innings featured 17 fours and a six. Then Mohammad Rizwan left the field with victory. He remained unbeaten on 42 runs off 34 balls.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam invited New Zealand to bat after winning the toss at the beginning of the match. Chad Bowes was dismissed for 18 off 26 balls.
Openers Will Young and Darryl Mitchell continued to bat brilliantly in the second wicket pair. At this time, the two made a pair of 102 runs. That is the basis of the collection of books by tourists. Young returned to 86 runs after completing his fifty. His innings of just 78 balls is decorated with 8 fours and two sixes.
Although Young could not, Mitchell took the century right. His innings stopped at 113 runs. His 115-ball innings was decorated with 11 fours and a six. Besides, Latham 20, Chapman 15, Rachin 9 runs. And Henry Nicholls remains unbeaten on 20 runs.
Three bowlers took maximum two wickets each for Pakistan.
(28 April/MM)