Pakistan Crumble in 331-Run Chase, Suffer Crushing Defeat Against New Zealand in Tri-Series Opener
Despite having a strong batting lineup, they were unable to successfully chase down New Zealand's target.
In the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, Pakistan faced a significant defeat against New Zealand. New Zealand, after winning the toss, chose to bat first and set a challenging target of 331 runs for Pakistan.
Despite their strong batting lineup, Pakistan failed to chase down this target and ultimately lost by 78 runs.
New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the toss, with Glenn Phillips scoring an unbeaten century (110) to help them reach a total of 330/6.
Read More: New Zealand set 331-run target against Pakistan
The home side was bowled out for 254 in 47.5 overs, despite a fighting half-century from Fakhar Zaman.
The chase started positively, with Fakhar and Babar Azam putting up a brisk 52-run stand. However, Babar’s cautious knock ended at 10 off 23 balls when he fell to Michael Bracewell in the powerplay.
Fakhar carried on, adding 51 runs with Kamran Ghulam (18 off 32) before partnering briefly with skipper Mohammad Rizwan (3). The opener remained Pakistan’s top scorer with 84 off 69 balls, laced with seven fours and four sixes, before departing in the 24th over.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha (40 off 51) attempted to stabilize the innings, building partnerships with Tayyab Tahir (30) and Khushdil Shah (15). However, New Zealand’s bowlers kept striking at crucial moments, with Michael Bracewell eventually dismissing Agha.
Tail-ender Abrar Ahmed (25* off 15) showed late resistance, but the hosts fell well short. Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry led New Zealand’s bowling attack with three wickets each, while Bracewell chipped in with two scalps.
While this loss is disappointing for Pakistan, it provides valuable insights into areas that need strengthening before major tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand XI: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke.
