Pakistan thrash New Zealand in the opening ODI

• Pakistan beat New Zealand by six wickets.
• Naseem grabs 5-57 for his second five-wicket haul.
• Rizwan,  Babar, Fakhar hit half centuries.

Fast bowler Naseem Shah claimed five wickets in Karachi’s opening one-day international as Pakistan cruised to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand.

In his second five-wicket haul in as many ODI appearances, the 19-year-old picked up 5-57 as New Zealand, who were put in to 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.

1️⃣-0️⃣ up 👏

Pakistan cruise to a comfortable win in the first ODI 🙌#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/BPAYGjsHXf

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— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023

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 (nought).

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 was stabilised. Phillips and Bracewell contributed 66 runs off 59 balls for the sixth wicket before being bowled by Naseem 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.

Playing XI

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Haris Sohail, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

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