LAHORE: Pakistan faced a disappointing defeat against New Zealand, failing to chase a 331-run target in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Despite Fakhar Zaman’s valiant half-century, the home side was bowled out for 254 in 47.5 overs, falling short by 78 runs.
Pakistan started their chase on a positive note, with openers Fakhar and Babar Azam building a quick 52-run partnership. Fakhar played an aggressive role, while Babar adopted a cautious approach before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell for just 10 runs off 23 balls in the 10th over.
Fakhar then formed a 51-run stand with Kamran Ghulam, who struggled to score 18 off 32 balls. The left-hander further extended his innings alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan (3), but eventually departed in the 24th over after a fighting knock of 84 off 69 balls, including seven fours and four sixes.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha attempted to anchor the innings, contributing a 40-run knock off 51 balls while sharing key partnerships with Tayyab Tahir (30) and Khushdil Shah (15). However, Bracewell dismissed him, further denting Pakistan’s hopes.
Abrar Ahmed provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 25 off 15 deliveries, but it was not enough to take Pakistan across the line.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry claimed three wickets each, while Bracewell bagged two scalps.
Earlier, opting to bat first, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 330/6 in 50 overs, courtesy of stellar performances from Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips.
The visitors had a shaky start when Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Will Young (4) on the fourth ball of the match. Rachin Ravindra (25 off 19) then added 35 runs alongside Williamson before Abrar Ahmed removed him in the eighth over.
Williamson played a steady knock of 58 off 89 balls, forming a crucial 95-run partnership with Mitchell. However, Shaheen removed him, followed by Haris Rauf dismissing Tom Latham for a duck, reducing New Zealand to 135/4 in 27.1 overs.
Mitchell anchored the innings with a solid 81 off 84 balls, striking two fours and four sixes. He shared a valuable 65-run stand with Phillips before falling to Abrar in the 38th over.
Glenn Phillips then took charge, hammering an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, decorated with six fours and seven sixes. His explosive knock propelled New Zealand past 300, aided by a 54-run partnership with Bracewell (31 off 23).
For Pakistan, Shaheen was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Abrar claimed two, and Haris Rauf took one.
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.
Pakistan will now look to bounce back in their next match against South Africa in Karachi.
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