Cricket Highlights, Feb 08: Pakistan Tri-Nation Series 2025 (1st ODI) – New Zealand vs Pakistan

NZ vs PAK (1st ODI) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling opening match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, held under the lights at Lahore on February 8, 2025. NZ showcased a dominant performance, posting an imposing total of 330/6 in their 50 overs. In response, PAK struggled to keep up with the required run rate and was eventually bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs. With this commanding 78-run victory, New Zealand started their campaign on a high note, demonstrating their batting depth and bowling prowess. 

Winning the toss, NZ opted to bat first and faced an early setback when Will Young departed for just 4 runs off Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery bowling in the first over. However, Rachin Ravindra played a quick cameo of 25 off 19 balls before being dismissed by Abrar Ahmed. Captain Kane Williamson anchored the innings with a steady 58 off 89 balls, crafting valuable partnerships with Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.

Mitchell played a counter-attacking knock, scoring 81 off 84 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes. His aggressive intent helped New Zealand recover from the early wickets. Abrar Ahmed dismissed him in the 38th over, but by then, the Kiwis were already in a strong position. The real game-changer was Glenn Phillips, who played an explosive innings, smashing 106 off just 74 balls, including six fours and seven towering sixes. His late flourish, alongside Michael Bracewell’s quick 31 off 23 balls, propelled New Zealand to a massive total of 330/6 in their 50 overs.

PAK bowlers had a tough time controlling the run flow, with Shaheen Shah Afridi being the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/88 in his 10 overs. Abrar Ahmed bowled well, picking up 2/41, while Haris Rauf chipped in with one wicket. However, Pakistan’s spinners struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen, especially in the death overs.

Chasing a stiff target of 331, Pakistan needed a strong start, and Fakhar Zaman delivered with an aggressive 84 off 69 balls, hitting seven fours and four sixes. However, Pakistan suffered an early blow when Captain Babar Azam fell for just 10 runs, caught by Glenn Phillips off Michael Bracewell’s bowling. Kamran Ghulam (18 off 32) and Mohammad Rizwan (3 off 11) also fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan in a vulnerable position at 117/3.

Despite Fakhar’s attacking play, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. When Glenn Phillips trapped him lbw in the 24th over, Pakistan’s chase started to crumble. Salman Agha tried to stabilize the innings with a cautious 40 off 51 balls, while Tayyab Tahir played a quick knock of 30 off 29 balls. However, Mitchell Santner’s crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, including the wickets of Rizwan, Ghulam, and Khushdil Shah, derailed Pakistan’s hopes.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah contributed valuable lower-order runs, scoring 10 and 13, respectively, while Abrar Ahmed provided a late flourish with 23 off 15 balls. However, the lack of partnerships and a struggling middle order meant Pakistan never really threatened to chase down the target. They were eventually bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs, handing New Zealand a convincing win.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Scoreboard

New Zealand– 330/6

Pakistan– 252(47.5/50)

Result – New Zealand won by 78 runs

Player of the Match – Glenn Phillips

NZ vs PAK Playing XI

New Zealand

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(C), Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan(C)(WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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