Pakistan won the open game of the five-match ODI series at the Pindi.
In the first ODI on Thursday, Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman hit the game-winning century, leading his team to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand.
1️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ off 1️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ deliveries @FakharZamanLive departs after a sensational knock ✨#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/5JWYu1Bwgo
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 27, 2023
Earlier, New Zealand gave Pakistan a 289-run target. Will Young, the Kiwis’ opening batsman, made a solid start as they scored 86 runs off of 78, but Chad Bowes could not hold on for too long before being removed by Haris Rauf at the age of 18.
In the first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand, opener Will Young contributed with a half-century, scoring 86 off 78 balls while hitting eight fours and two sixes.
The best bowler for Pakistan was the pacer Naseem Shah, who finished with amazing statistics of 2-29 in 10 overs. Two more wickets were taken by fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
With nine balls remaining, Pakistan successfully completed the 289-run mark, with the left-arm batter taking centre stage. Fakhar Zaman made 117 strikes on 114 balls. He scored a six and 13 fours throughout his knock.
Together with left-handed hitter Imam-ul-Haq, he put together a 124 run opening stand. The latter scored 60 points from 65 balls, including five fours and a maximum.
Babar Azam, the captain, and Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper, both scored 49 and 42.
Adam Milne, a pacer, helped New Zealand by taking two wickets.
