Lahore [Pakistan], February 8: Batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips’ blitzkrieg knock helped New Zealand clinch a 78-run victory over Pakistan in the first match of the ODI Tri-Series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. The dominant performance propelled the Kiwis to the top of the ODI Tri-Series standings, securing two points with a net run rate of +1.560.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first against Pakistan. The decision, led by captain Mitchell Santner, paid off as the Kiwis posted a strong score in the first innings.
New Zealand openers, Will Young (4 runs from 4 balls, 1 four) and Rachin Ravindra (25 runs from 19 balls, 5 fours), couldn’t make a significant impact. However, the middle-order batsmen rose to the occasion. Kane Williamson (58 runs from 89 balls, 7 fours) and Daryl Mitchell (81 runs from 84 balls, 2 fours, 4 sixes) put together a crucial 95-run partnership that helped New Zealand recover after the early dismissals.
Once Williamson and Mitchell were removed, Glenn Phillips (106* runs from 74 balls, 6 fours, 7 sixes) took charge, delivering an explosive unbeaten knock that pushed New Zealand to a total of 330/6 in their 50 overs. Mitchell Santner also remained not out at 8 runs from 5 balls*.
Shaheen Afridi led the Pakistani bowling attack, claiming three wickets. Abrar Ahmed also impressed with two wickets from his 10-over spell, giving away 41 runs.
During Pakistan’s run chase, opener Fakhar Zaman (84 runs from 69 balls, 7 fours, 4 sixes) gave his team a solid start, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against the tight Kiwi bowling. Salman Agha (40 runs from 51 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) played a vital role but was dismissed by Michael Bracewell.
As Babar Azam (10 runs from 23 balls, 1 four) and Mohammad Rizwan (3 runs from 11 balls) struggled, Pakistan’s batting depth was exposed, leaving them behind in the run chase.
On the bowling front, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner starred for New Zealand with three-wicket hauls, while Michael Bracewell picked up two wickets. Glenn Phillips also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket in his three-over spell. In the end, Pakistan was bowled out for 252 in the 48th over.
Glenn Phillips was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his fiery batting performance.
Brief score:
New Zealand 330/6 (Glenn Phillips 106*, Daryl Mitchell 81, Kane Williamson 58; Shaheen Afridi 3/88)
Pakistan 252 (Fakhar Zaman 84, Salman Agha 40, Tayyab Tahir 30; Mitchell Santner 3/41)