Lahore, 8 February 2025: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the first match of the Tri-nation series at the newly constructed Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. New Zealand will face South Africa on Monday morning in a day game at the same venue.
After opting to bat first, New Zealand managed to score 330 for six in their 50 overs. Glenn Phillips, batting at number six, top-scored with an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, hitting six fours and seven sixes. He was supported by Daryl Mitchell (81, 84b, 2x4s, 4x6s) and Kane Williamson (58, 89b, 7x4s) – both of whom scored half-centuries.
For the losing side, Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets for 88 runs, while Abrar Ahmed grabbed two wickets. Haris Rauf, who left the field in the middle of his seventh over, due to side strain, took one wicket for 23 runs.
In the run chase, Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam provided a 52-run opening stand before Babar (10, 23b, 1x4) was dismissed by Michael Bracewell in the 10th over. Left-handed Fakhar, making a comeback in the side, top-scored with a 69-ball 84, which included seven fours and four sixes. Salman Ali Agha (40, 51b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Tayyab Tahir (30, 29b, 4x4s) were the other contributors with the bat, but the hosts fell short by 78 runs as they were dismissed for 252 in 47.5 overs.
For New Zealand, captain Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry took three wickets apiece, while Bracewell claimed two wickets.
Pakistan will now travel to Karachi on Sunday to take on South Africa in the third match of the tournament, which will be played at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. The final of the tournament will be played between the top two sides at the same venue on Friday afternoon.
Scores in brief:
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
New Zealand 330-6, 50 overs (Glenn Phillips 106 not out, Daryl Mitchell 81, Kane Williamson 58; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-88, Abrar Ahmed 2-41)
Pakistan 252-9, 47.5 overs (Fakhar Zaman 84, Salman Ali Agha 40, Tayyab Tahir 30; Mitchell Santner 3-41, Matt Henry 3-53, Michael Bracewell 2-41)
Player of the match – Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
