NZ v PAK, 1st ODI, Review: Kane Williamson and bowlers help New Zealand take a 1-0 lead

New Zealand have defeated Pakistan by 61 runs under DLS method in the first of the five-match ODI series at Basin Reserve in Wellington. The loss has also stopped the 6-match winning streak of the Men in Green and the writing was on the wall for them when the top order was sent back in the first couple of overs itself. Though it was the century of the skipper Kane Williamson which laid the foundation of the big score for the home side. However, the visitors’ fightback was cut short by rain after which the game never resumed.

In the morning, Pakistan won the toss and invited the Kiwis to bat first much to the surprise of everyone. The wicket was absolutely flat and their decision seemed to be backfired on them as the openers went bang bang against the new-ball bowlers. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro attacked right from the word go and unsettled the visitors. But it was the best bowler of 2017, Hasan Ali who broke the stand in the 13th over as the latter edged the bowl to the keeper. The trademark celebration was on display from him as the wicket was much-needed for his team.

Then the skipper Williamson came in the middle and continued the momentum generated by the openers even as Guptill struggled and was sent back on 48 off 72 deliveries. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham were snaffled early by the visitors to stage a stunning fightback. But Henry Nicholls joined his captain and completely changed the complexion of the match. In the process, Williamson notched up his ninth century in the format, the innings which was filled with classy strokes.

New Zealand finally managed to pile up the highest total on the ground with 315 runs for the loss of seven wickets. All the bowlers for Pakistan were expensive and once again the standout player was Hasan Ali who finished with the figures of 3/61.

Pakistan’s derailed chase

The Asian side required a strong start from their opening duo to chase down the hefty total. But Azhar Ali and Babar Azam were back in the hut in the very first over courtesy Tim Southee. The wind had picked up its pace in the afternoon and even Trent Boult used it to a good effect to send back Mohammad Hafeez. Soon Pakistan were left reeling at 54/5 in the 16th over. But Fakhar Zaman stood strong and played a timely knock to avoid an embarrassment for his team. He was nicely supported by Shadab Khan as they added some quick runs.

Zaman was going strength to strength despite losing his partner to Boult when rain played spoilsport in the game. The visitors needed 150 runs off 20 overs with four wickets in hand as the task was not entirely impossible given the form the left-hander was in. But the rain gods didn’t relent much to the frustration of Pakistan as they lost the match by 61 runs according to DLS method. Losing so many wickets early on didn’t help their cause as the pitch was flat as a road throughout the 80 overs.

Zaman also missed out on a century and was left stranded on 82 off just 86 balls with 5 fours and four maximums. Southee was excellent with the new ball and finished with 3/22 in 6.1 overs of his bowling quota. Boult also snuffed a couple and continued his good form. The captain Williamson was awarded Man of the Match for his magnificent century. Pakistan will now look to make a comeback in the second match to be played in Nelson on January 9.

Brief Scores

New Zealand 315/7 after 50 overs (K Williamson 115, C Munro 58; H Ali 3/61)

Pakistan 166/6 after 30.1 overs (F Zaman 82*; T Southee 3/22, T Boult 2/35)

Result: New Zealand won by 61 runs (DLS method)

Man of the Match: Kane Williamson

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