Lahore (News Desk) In the first match of the tri-series, New Zealand won the toss against Pakistan and decided to bat first. Speaking after the toss at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan cricket team captain Muhammad Rizwan said that if they had won the toss, they would have batted first.
He said that Babar Azam will open the innings today. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said that the wicket looks favorable for batting, so they have decided to bat first.
Introduction: A High-Octane Clash Sets the Tone for the Tri-Series
The first ODI of the Pakistan Tri-Series 2025 between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 8, 2025, was a rollercoaster of explosive batting, tactical bowling, and dramatic momentum shifts. Played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the match saw New Zealand post a mammoth 330/6, powered by Glenn Phillips’ blistering 106* off 74 balls. Pakistan’s chase crumbled under pressure, ending at 252 all out, handing New Zealand a 78-run victory. This article breaks down the key moments, standout performances, and tactical decisions that defined this thrilling encounter.
Match Summary: NZ’s Commanding Total vs PAK’s Faltering Chase
New Zealand’s Innings: Phillips Steals the Show
Scorecard: 330/6 (50 overs)
Top Performers:
- Glenn Phillips: 106* (74 balls, 6 fours, 7 sixes) :cite[2]:cite[9]
- Daryl Mitchell: 81 (84 balls)
- Kane Williamson: 58 (89 balls)
Key Moments:
- Early Setbacks: New Zealand lost openers Will Young (4) and Rachin Ravindra (25) early, but Williamson and Mitchell stabilized the innings with a 95-run partnership .
- Phillips’ Carnage: After Mitchell’s dismissal at 200/5, Phillips unleashed a brutal assault, scoring 77 runs off his final 32 balls. His 25-run final over against Shaheen Afridi included three sixes and two boundaries .
- Late Surge: NZ added 120 runs in the last 10 overs, with Phillips and Michael Bracewell (31 off 23) accelerating the scoring rate .
Pakistan’s Bowling:
- Shaheen Afridi: 3/88, including key wickets of Williamson and Bracewell.
- Abrar Ahmed: 2/41, dismissing Ravindra and Mitchell .
Pakistan’s Chase: Fakhar’s Lone Fight and Middle-Order Collapse
Scorecard: 252 all out (47.5 overs)
Top Performers:
- Fakhar Zaman: 84 (69 balls, 7 fours, 4 sixes) :cite[6]:cite[9]
- Salman Agha: 40 (51 balls)
- Tayyab Tahir: 30 (29 balls)
Key Moments:
- Early Blow: Babar Azam (10 off 23) fell cheaply to Michael Bracewell, shifting pressure onto Fakhar :.
- Fakhar’s Heroics: Fakhar dominated the powerplay, racing to a 69-ball 84. His dismissal by Phillips in the 24th over triggered a collapse .
- Spin Strangle: Mitchell Santner (3/41) and Bracewell (2/41) dismantled Pakistan’s middle order, reducing them from 119/4 to 205/7.
Turning Point: Fakhar’s LBW dismissal at 119/4 extinguished Pakistan’s hopes, with the required rate soaring to 9+ .
Tactical Breakdown: What Won New Zealand the Game?
H3: Phillips’ Calculated Aggression
Phillips’ innings was a masterclass in pacing. He scored just 29 off his first 43 balls before exploding in the death overs. His reverse scoops, slog sweeps, and straight drives left Pakistan’s bowlers clueless .
H3: Santner’s Spin Web
Santner’s 3/41 included the wickets of Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Khushdil Shah. His economy rate of 4.10 on a flat pitch highlighted his control .
H3: Pakistan’s Death Bowling Woes
Despite Afridi’s early strikes, Pakistan conceded 98 runs in the final six overs. Naseem Shah (0/70) and part-timer Khushdil Shah (0/66) struggled to contain Phillips.
Injury Concerns: Rauf and Ravindra Sidelined
- Haris Rauf: Suffered a side strain mid-over and did not bat .
- Rachin Ravindra: Struck on the face by a mishit ball while fielding, leading to a bloodied exit .
FAQ: Answers to Burning Questions
Q1: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Glenn Phillips for his match-winning 106* and the crucial wicket of Fakhar Zaman.
Q2: How Did Pakistan’s Batting Falter?
A: Over-reliance on Fakhar Zaman and poor shot selection against spin led to a collapse from 119/4 to 205/7 .
Q3: What Was the Impact of NZ’s Final Over?
A: Phillips’ 25-run final over against Afridi shifted momentum decisively, adding 25% of NZ’s total in just six balls .
Q4: Where Can I Watch the Highlights?
A: Full highlights are available on ESPNcricinfo and YouTube (links in sources).
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan
New Zealand’s emphatic win underscores their depth in batting and spin prowess. For Pakistan, addressing death bowling and middle-order fragility will be critical ahead of their next match against South Africa. With Phillips in sublime form and Santner’s tactical acumen, NZ emerge as strong contenders for the Champions Trophy.
Key Takeaways:
- Phillips’ Mastery: A blend of patience and aggression redefined match-winning knocks.
- Spin Dominance: Santner and Bracewell exploited Lahore’s conditions brilliantly.
- Pakistan’s Concerns: Over-dependence on Fakhar and Rauf’s fitness loom large.
For live updates and detailed stats, visit ESPNcricinfo or Cricbuzz.
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