New Zealand outplay Pakistan to start Tri-Nation series

New Zealand made a statement on Saturday night in Lahore, defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series.

The Black Caps came into the match as slight underdogs across the top cricket betting sites but quickly shifted odds in their favour with Daryl Mitchell (81) and Glenn Phillips (106*) starring for the visitors.

Having elected to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand lost Will Young (4) in the first over.

They were slow initially, despite Rachin Ravindra (25) scoring at a good rate before he fell in the eighth over.

Kane Williamson (58) and Mitchell then combined for a 95-run partnership to take the Kiwis through to 134/2 before the third wicket fell.

Wicketkeeper Tom Latham (0) came and went quickly, but another strong partnership emerged as Mitchell was joined by Phillips at the crease.

The latter would go on to carry his bat, scoring at a strike rate above 143 to extend New Zealand’s total beyond 300.

A fiery cameo from Michael Bracewell late in the innings helped take the Black Caps to an impressive 330/6 from their 50 overs.

With live betting odds stacked against them, Pakistan started well through openers Fakhar Zaman (84) and Babar Azam (10), putting on 52 for the first wicket.

Zaman was the sole shining light for the home side, however, with the 34-year-old scoring more than double the next-best Pakistani batsman.

Salman Agha (40) and Tayyab Tahir (30) provided some resistance in the middle order, but ultimately the Kiwi bowling attack was too strong, rolling Pakistan for 252 with 13 balls to spare.

Matt Henry (3/53), Mitchell Santner (3/41) and were the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, with Bracewell (2/41) and Phillips (1/18) picking up scalps too.

“Glenn’s knock and his partnership with Bracewell gave us the momentum,” New Zealand captain Santner said after the match.

“We were looking at 280 or 300 at one stage but Glenn’s knock was icing on the cake.

“There was a bit of help for spinners and the big wicket of Fakhar helped.

“To get Fakhar and Babar is not easy.

“We were able to chip with wickets in the middle, which was good.

“We have got eyes forward to Karachi.

“But we know how good Pakistan are and the bounce-backs are not far away.”

The Black Caps face a quick turnaround, with South Africa waiting in the next match of the series on Monday.

New Zealand heads to Lahore as heavy favourites across top bookmakers to record their second win and book a place in next Friday’s final, with Neds putting them at $1.44 to beat South Africa.

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