RAWALPINDI: Pakistan secured a resounding victory over New Zealand, triumphing by seven wickets in a one-sided match held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan’s dominant performance was highlighted by their exceptional pace and spin bowling attack, which dismantled the entire New Zealand batting lineup for a mere 90 runs in just 18.1 overs.
Right from the onset, the Black Caps found themselves struggling against Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. Shaheen Afridi, renowned for his prowess with the new ball, set the tone early.
Mohammad Amir, making a comeback to the Pakistan team after nearly four years, made an immediate impact by claiming the wicket of Tim Robinson for a meager four runs in his first over. He continued to trouble the visitors, removing Dean Foxcroft with a straightforward catch taken by skipper Babar Azam.
The relentless bowling onslaught from Pakistan’s bowlers persisted, with Abrar Ahmed snatching two quick wickets in the ninth over, dismissing Mark Chapman and James Neesham for 19 and one run respectively.
Further damage was inflicted by Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah, as only four New Zealand batsmen managed to reach double digits amidst Pakistan’s bowling dominance.
Shaheen Afridi led the charge with three wickets, while Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan each contributed with two wickets. Naseem Shah claimed one wicket to bolster Pakistan’s formidable bowling performance.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first, capitalizing on favorable bowling conditions.
The playing XIs for the match were as follows:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.
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