Naseem Shah produced a record-breaking display with the ball as Pakistan comfortably defeated New Zealand in the first one-day international at the National Bank Cricket Arena.
The 19-year-old, who was playing only his fourth ODI, was declared man of the match thanks to his figures of five for 57 from his 10-over spell. The right-arm pacer has now claimed 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.
Needing 256 runs for victory, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan hit half-centuries as they chased down the target in 48.1 overs with six wickets in hand.
Fakhar and Imam ul Haq provided Pakistan with a positive start. However, at a score of 30, Michael Bracewell sent Imam packing. The left-hander scored 11.
Meanwhile, Babar and Fakhar put on a 78-run stand for the second wicket to take the game away from New Zealand. Fakhar played superbly for his 56, while Babar scored 66 of 82.
At the score of 108, Bracewell provided New Zealand another breakthrough in the shape of Fakhar’s wicket. The left-hander smashed seven boundaries in his 74-ball knock.
Babar continued his rich form with the bat as he completed his 23rd half-century with the help of five boundaries and a maximum. he was removed by Glenn Phillips.
After his departure, Mohammad Rizwan took over the proceedings, as he smashed six boundaries and a maximum for his unbeaten 77. He was well supported by Haris Sohail, who scored a quick 32 off 23 balls, hitting two boundaries and the same number of maximums.
Earlier, after winning the toss, 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.
The game was dominated by Pakistan bowlers, who continued to clip wickets at regular intervals.
Captain Kane Williamson and Fin Allen added 36 for the second wicket before Mohammad Wasim Jr came to spoil the party. Wasim got the key wicket of Allen, who scored 29 off 27.
Debutant Usama Mir didn’t take long to get involved in the action as he bowled Williamson (26) to reduce New Zealand to 69/3. He then claimed the prize wicket of Tom Latham (42).
Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham made a 56-run stand for the fourth wicket to bring the Blackcaps back into the game. At the score of 125, Mohammad Nawaz bowled Mitchell to stop the New Zealand run-flow. The right-hander scored 36 off 55 balls.
Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell made a 66-run stand for the sixth wicket – the highest partnership in the innings – to help the visitors pass the 200 runs mark.
After reaching 213, It was all Naseem Shah’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.
Had it not been a 31-run stand between Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner, New Zealand would have been booked under 250.
Naseem in his last over of the innings bowled a slower delivery to deceive Santner as he completed his second five-wicket haul.
Pakistan handed an ODI cap to 27-year-old leg-spinner Usama Mir after showing good form in domestic matches, while New Zealand included all-rounder Henry Shipley, 26, for his first international.
The teams will also meet on Wednesday and Friday, both times in Karachi.
New Zealand, runners-up at the last World Cup in 2019, won 10 of their 16 ODIs last year. They have been dominant against Pakistan, having won 12 of the last 15 ODIs between the two teams.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
Umpire: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Asif Yaqoob (PAK)
Tv umpire: Ahsan Raza (PAK)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
