New Zealand reached 188/4 after 36 overs overs in the opening match of the tri-series against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten on 72 runs off 78 balls. Mitchell’s solid performance, including 2 fours and 3 sixes, has placed New Zealand on track to post a competive target against Pakistan.
Kane Williamson also contributed significantly with a well-made 58 off 89 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Rachin Ravindra was dismissed for 25, while Tom Latham was dismissed for a duck after scoring 0 off 3 balls.
The fall of wickets for New Zealand came early with Will Young being dismissed for just 4 in the 1st over by Afridi. The team also lost Ravindra in the 8th over, bringing the score to 39/2, while Latham’s departure brought the score to 135/4.
The New Zealand batting order will see the likes of Glenn Phillips (18 off 24 balls) continue, with further contributions expected from Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and Ben Sears.
Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, earlier mentioned that had they won the toss, they would have also opted to bat first.
He emphasised the importance of the tri-series as vital preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, highlighting its relevance to their future challenges.
Rizwan also confirmed that Babar Azam will open the batting alongside Fakhar Zaman, with the two players taking the initial responsibility. The squad includes three fast bowlers: Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
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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