NZ vs PAK: With Jay Shah’s appointment as the chairman of the ICC, he introduced the culture of tri-series, which earlier involved intense cricket experience between different cricketing nations. Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa are taking part in the tri-series in a longer, limited-over format, which will be a great shoot-up for their Champions Trophy campaign.
The first match of the tri-series marked Pakistan against New Zealand, who showcased a stunning game with every department of their side performing overwhelmingly well. The host nation, Pakistan, opted to bowl against the Kiwis.
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NZ vs PAK: Williamson’s strong return; Mitchell shows some firm resolve in the middle order
After the Kiwi openers, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra fell shortly after not scoring much in the top order; their greatest player of the generation, Kane Williamson, stepped up for a slow-paced yet invaluable innings alongside the other batter, Daryl Mitchell.
Mitchell scored a stunning 81 runs, which showed his wonderful form in the longer limited-overs format, just like he outperformed many greats in the World Cup campaign in India back in 2023. Mitchell will be playing his first Champions Trophy, and these are great signs for the Blackcaps before the premier tournament.
NZ vs PAK: Glenn Phillips takes the crowd in awe with raining sixes
New Zealand’s innings never looked in danger until Williamson and Mitchell added valuable runs in the middle order. They both put on a 100-run partnership until Williamson was dismissed and so was Tom Latham sent back for a duck, which gave some worry to the Kiwis.
Glenn Phillips came in to bat at the No. 6 position for the Blackcaps, as Phillips smashed a 72-ball hundred, his first in the ODI format. Phillips smashed 7 sixes in his innings, hitting the ball long all around the park. He ended 106* not out off just 74 balls and added invaluable runs alongside Michael Bracewell, who also scored a quickfire 30 under pressure.
NZ vs PAK: Kiwi spinners got the best of Pakistan’s top order
The New Zealand team looked strong in their bowling department as well, as skipper Santner soon recognized the help of spinners on the track of Lahore and brought in the likes of Michael Bracewell as well as himself.
Bracewell picked up 2 wickets, which included Babar Azam and vice-captain Salman Agha, while Mitchell Santner dismissed the other batters, including the skipper Mohammed Rizwan.
However, the only Pakistan batter who seemed to be troubling the Kiwi batters was Fakhar Zaman, as he scored 84 runs and looked dominating with sheer form. New Zealand star Glenn Phillips once again turned the tables as he trapped Fakhar right in front of the wicket.
New Zealand won the match by a big margin of 78 runs and has already taken the lead in the series.
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