Phillips shines as New Zealand Outclass Pakistan by 78 Runs in Tri-Nation ODI Series Opener

 



Glenn Phillips struck his maiden century, and Mitchell Santner picked up three crucial wickets as New Zealand outplayed Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the tri-nation series in Lahore on Saturday.

Phillips remained unbeaten on a belligerent 106 off 74 balls, hammering seven sixes and six fours to propel New Zealand to a formidable total of 330-6 in their 50 overs. Santner then played a key role with the ball, returning figures of 3-41 to help dismiss Pakistan for 252 in 47.5 overs.

This series, featuring South Africa as the third team, serves as a preparatory event for the Champions Trophy, which is set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.

Phillips also made an impact with the ball, dismissing Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who was the top scorer with a 69-ball 84, including four sixes and seven fours.

Pakistan had a promising start, with Fakhar and Babar Azam—who was promoted to open—putting together a 52-run partnership. However, Michael Bracewell broke through, dismissing Babar for just 10 runs.

Santner then capitalized on the slow conditions at Gaddafi Stadium, claiming the wickets of Kamran Ghulam (18), captain Mohammad Rizwan (3), and Khushdil Shah (15), leaving Pakistan in a difficult position.

Despite a 53-run partnership between Salman Agha (40) and Tayyab Tahir (30) for the fifth wicket, Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required rate.

Matt Henry (3-53) and Bracewell (2-41) provided further support with the ball, ensuring New Zealand’s dominant victory.

Earlier, New Zealand laid a strong foundation after opting to bat, with Phillips capitalizing on the solid contributions of Daryl Mitchell (81) and Kane Williamson (58).

Phillips accelerated in the latter part of the innings, putting on a 54-run stand off just 47 balls with Bracewell for the sixth wicket. Bracewell himself scored a quick 31 off 23 balls, including three sixes.

New Zealand’s late assault saw them amass 123 runs in the final 10 overs, with Phillips smashing a breathtaking 84 runs in the last five alone. In a blistering finish, he took 25 runs off the final over bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi, reaching his century in just 72 balls.

Shaheen, despite giving Pakistan an early breakthrough by dismissing Will Young for four with the fourth ball of the match, proved expensive, finishing with figures of 3-88 in 10 overs.

Spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Rachin Ravindra for 25, but Williamson and Mitchell steadied the innings with a 95-run stand off 112 balls.

Williamson, playing his first ODI since November 2023, notched up his 46th half-century with seven boundaries before edging Shaheen to wicketkeeper Rizwan.

Mitchell looked set for a century but was caught in the 38th over off Abrar after hitting four sixes and two boundaries.

Pakistan suffered a further setback when fast bowler Haris Rauf walked off with a side strain in the 37th over, having bowled 6.2 overs and claimed the wicket of Tom Latham for a duck.


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