After fast bowler, Naseem Shah claimed five wickets in Karachi on Monday’s first one-day international, Pakistan cruised to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand. In just four ODI outings, the 19-year-old picked up 5-57, his second five-wicket haul, as New Zealand, who were put into bat, managed 255-9 in their 50 overs at the National Stadium. Fakhar Zaman (56), the captain Babar Azam (66), and Mohammad Rizwan (77 unbeaten) then assisted Pakistan in cruising to win with 11 balls remaining. In the three-game series, the home team is up 1-0.
The final two games will take place on Wednesday and Friday, both in Karachi. Imam-ul-Haq (11), who was out in the sixth over, was followed by Azam and Zaman, who added 78 runs for the second wicket. Before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell, Zaman blasted seven boundaries in his 74-ball innings. In contrast, Azam was stumped by Glenn Phillips after facing 82 balls. Rizwan added 64 with Haris Sohail, who struck a quick-fire 32 after adding 60 with Azam. With a 2-44, off-spinner Bracewell was the top bowler for New Zealand.
Earlier, New Zealand was held in check by Naseem’s ferocious bowling. The young player gave Pakistan the early advantage by dismissing Devon Conway for naught in the first over of the game. In order to account for Phillips (37), Bracewell (43), and Henry Shipley, Naseem made a second appearance (naught). Naseem finished off his night by removing Mitchell Santner for 21 in the final over. This was his first five-wicket haul in an ODI, which came against the Netherlands in August.
During a fourth-wicket stand of 56 between Tom Latham (42) and Daryl Mitchell (36), the innings were stabilized. Phillips and Bracewell added 66 runs off 59 balls for the sixth wicket before Naseem bowled both batsmen in consecutive overs. Before being skillfully bowled by rookie leg-spinner Usama Mir, who finished with 2-42, captain Kane Williamson had hit 26 runs. In his 53-ball innings, Phillips smashed a six and a four, and Bracewell smacked four boundaries and a six. Finn Allen, the first player, hit six goals in his 27-ball 29.
