Glenn Phillips' brilliant century helped New Zealand set a formidable target of 331 for Pakistan in the opening match of the Tri-Nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
After electing to bat first, New Zealand faced early setbacks, but Phillips' explosive 106 off 74 balls anchored their innings, lifting the visitors to a competitive total of 330/6 in 50 overs.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first. However, the decision to bat initially appeared to backfire when Will Young was dismissed early, caught by Muhammad Rizwan off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first over.
Rachin Ravindra, who partnered with Kane Williamson at the crease, contributed to a 39-run stand before he was dismissed, caught by Abrar Ahmed off his own bowling.
With both openers gone within the first powerplay, Williamson and Daryl Mitchell took control, forging a 95-run partnership to steady the ship.
Williamson, who had been in solid form, was dismissed for 58 off 89 deliveries, including seven boundaries. His departure left New Zealand at 135/4 in 27.1 overs, after Haris Rauf had also dismissed Tom Latham for a duck.
Mitchell remained resilient through the middle overs, scoring 81 off 84 balls, including two fours and four sixes. He and Phillips put together a crucial 65-run partnership for the sixth wicket, with Mitchell’s dismissal to Abrar Ahmed in the 38th over.
Phillips, however, accelerated in the final stages, reaching an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, which included six fours and seven sixes. His powerful knock, along with a quick-fire 23 balls 31 from Michael Bracewell helped New Zealand surpass the 300-run mark.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi was the most successful bowler, picking up three wickets. Abrar Ahmed supported with two wickets, while Haris Rauf claimed one.
New Zealand’s imposing total of 331 puts Pakistan in a daunting position as they chase the target in what promises to be an exciting contest at Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan and New Zealand both are gearing up for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
While the two sides will also meet in the opening match of the prestigious tournament in Karachi, this game marks the first at the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke.
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