KARACHI: Pakistan are on a roll in the one-day internationals as they are cruising towards claiming the top spot in the ICC ODI team rankings.

Their victory over the current world number one side New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Area in Karachi was a clear sign of their dominance in the 50-over format of the game. Babar Azam’s side last suffered defeat in the format against Australia back in 2021. Since then they have won nine matches on the trot.

Their victory on Monday against the Blackcaps without their two key performers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan, was something that cricket pundits cannot neglect.

Let’s have a quick review of the top performers:

Record-breaking Naseem

We have to start with pacer Naseem Shah for many obvious reasons. The way he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and how well he has improved his fitness and carried the team forward in the absence of Shaheen was remarkable.

The right-arm fast bowler, who made his debut against the Netherlands, claimed his second five-wicket haul only in his fourth ODI.

The 19-year-old was declared man of the match for his figures of five for 57 in his 10-over spell. He has now bagged 15 wickets, which is the most by any bowler after four games. Ryan Harris and Gary Gilmour had 14 each from their first four ODIs.

Naseem started off the proceeding with the wicket of Devon Conway, who departed for a golden duck. In his return spell, he claimed the wickets of Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Henry Shipley.

He returned to complete his spell when New Zealand were 213/5. From there, it was all paceman’s show. He made an instant impact in the game by removing Phillips (37). In the next over, he cleaned up Bracewell (43) and Henry Shipley (0) on consecutive deliveries to reduce Kane Williamson’s side to 220/8.

Naseem in his last over of the innings bowled a slower delivery to deceive Santner as he completed his second five-wicket haul.

Usama Mir’s dream debut

Leg-spinner Usama Mir announced himself to the world cricket by dismissing New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.

In the 15th over of New Zealand’s innings, Williamson completely failed to judge Usama’s spin as the ball went straight to hit the stumps. Such was the beauty of the delivery that the tourists skipper, who departed for 26, looked impressed with the debutant.

Moreover, he also got the prize wicket of Tom Latham (42). The tall-spinner ended his spell with the figures of 2-42.

The spin trap

Toss going in favour of Pakistan turned out to be fruitful as Pakistan managed to restrict New Zealand to 255/9 in their 50 overs.

That is majorly due to some outstanding bowling displays from spin-trio – Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz and Agha Salman.

They bowled 24 overs in the innings and conceded just 98 runs combined. They also went on to claim the three crucial wickets of Kane Williamson (26), Daryl Mitchell (36) and Tom Latham (42) in middle overs.

That helped hosts tighten their grip on the game as they managed to restrict the visitors to a low total.

Batting brilliance

Lastly, chasing a target on a turning pitch is not an easy task, especially when you lose a wicket early. However, Fakhar Zaman, captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stepped up and ensured a comfortable victory for the home side.

First, Fakhar and Babar made a 78-run stand for the second wicket. Then Babar and Rizwan made a 60-run contribution for the third wicket. And lastly, Rizwan made a crucial stand of 64 runs with Haris Sohail to make sure Pakistan went over the winning line.

Fakhar scored 56, Babar 66, and Rizwan remained unbeaten on 77.