Tom Latham and Will Young scored hundreds to help New Zealand reach 320 before Pakistan was all out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
New Zealand cleared the 300-mark, which had seemed like a far-off dream after a shaky start, thanks to Glenn Phillips’ quick 61.
Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) both scored half-centuries as Pakistan was dismissed for 260 in 47.2 overs.
Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand, stated, “I think Pakistan bowled pretty well, but the way Young and Tommy were able to rotate (strike) and get the odd boundary, that partnership set us a very good platform.”The first match of the first international event to be hosted in Pakistan since the World Cup in 1996 was chosen by Pakistani captain Muhammad Rizwan.The home team got off to a strong start, giving up 39 runs in the first seven overs. With a twisting ball, spinner Abrar Ahmed pegged back opener Devon Conway’s off-stump in his second over.
Seamer Haris Rauf ended Daryl Mitchell’s innings after Naseem had Kane Williamson caught behind for one in the following over.The groundwork for a late acceleration was laid by Young and Latham’s century stand. After hitting 12 fours and a six in a brilliant knock, the opener lost to Naseem after taking a single off Abrar to get his hundred.Phillips counterattacked spectacularly, hitting four sixes in a 39-ball cameo. In a second century partnership with Phillips, player of the match Latham helped New Zealand score 113 runs in their last ten overs.
The Pakistani batsman was unable to start the innings because Fakhar Zaman was unable to continue playing after injuring himself while fielding in the first over.
Phillips made a spectacular catch at backward point to eliminate Rizwan for three after Saud Shakeel, who was partnered with Babar, was unable to defend his promotion and fell to Will O’Rourke (3-47).
After making 24 when he entered at number four, Fakhar lost his middle stump to Michael Bracewell.With Pakistan down 83-3 at the break, it was Babar’s responsibility to keep the home team in the match, and Salman Agha (42) entertained the fans with some lustful shots.
The spectators began to disperse from the stadium when Babar smashed Santner (3-66) for a six before falling to the spinner in the 34th over. In his 49-ball blitz, Khushdil struck 10 fours and a six, but New Zealand won handily.
