Match Center

Right then, that is it from this one-sided ODI where New Zealand gets the better of Pakistan. Next up in the Tri-Nation series is battle between New Zealand and South Africa on 10th February, Monday. That will begin at 10 am IST (4.30 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner, the victorious skipper of New Zealand says that Glenn Phillips' knock gave them momentum and they were probably looking at 280 at that moment. Adds that Pakistan bowled really well in the middle stages. Adds that Phillips' innings was the icing on the cake. Further mentions that there was a little bit of assistance from the wicket and the big wicket of Fakhar Zaman was key. Adds that they stuck together in the first ten overs. Mentions that every game that you play for the country, you want to win. And Karachi will be slightly different, conditions wise. Concludes by saying that they are expecting Pakistan bounce back strongly in the next one.

Mohammad Rizwan, the captain of Pakistan says that they bowled well until Glenn Phillips took the game away with some incredible batting. Adds that they have to pick the right combination if they want to do well. Says that they have a lot of learnings to take and get themselves ready for the Champions Trophy.

Glenn Phillips is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round brilliance. He says that they had a tough little period in the middle and Pakistan bowled well. Adds that they gave themselves a chance and it was very enjoyable in the end. Tells that surprisingly when you give your stumps away to the bowler, they don't hit it. So he gave himself room and hit it. Mentions that he loves his bowling but this hundred was pretty special for him as well. Concludes by saying that he gets his energy by the team culture that has been built into the team.

Presentation Time...

The Kiwis will be thrilled with their bowling display! After a shaky start in the Powerplay, they seized control, with skipper Mitchell Santner leading the charge with three vital scalps. Michael Bracewell backed him up with two, as the spin duo broke the back of Pakistan’s chase in the middle overs. Their fielding was top-notch, with stunning grabs from Glenn Phillips and Bracewell adding to the spectacle. Phillips also chipped in with a wicket, while Matt Henry cleaned up the tail with three of his own, sealing a dominant performance.

Earlier in the game, New Zealand put up a commanding total after opting to bat, led by a scintillating maiden ton from Glenn Phillips, who lit up the innings. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell anchored with classy half-centuries, while Michael Bracewell’s late fireworks propelled the Kiwis even further. Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan’s attack with three scalps, and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a couple, but the bowlers lost their grip at the death, conceding far too many runs in the final overs.

Fakhar Zaman was in sublime touch, tearing the Kiwi attack apart and making batting look effortless, but he fought a lone battle. Pakistan’s struggle against spin was evident as they lost their first four wickets to the tweakers, and with pressure mounting, Fakhar fell for a valiant 84. Tayyab Tahir and Salman Agha showed some fight with a steady 50-run stand, but Tahir’s dismissal right after the second drinks break turned the tide. Salman fought hard, but wickets kept tumbling, and the mounting asking rate proved too much for the tail-enders as Pakistan fell short by a big margin.

The Blackcaps have stormed to a dominant victory, dismantling Pakistan in their own fortress - a feat not many achieve! A statement performance to kick off the Tri-Nation Series, showcasing their class and intent. Meanwhile, the hosts are left searching for answers, with the Champions Trophy looming large.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Matt Henry seals the deal with his third wicket! He bangs this one into the pitch and on off, angles in with some extra bounce. Naseem Shah fails to sway away from the line of the ball and just hangs his bat away. The ball takes the outside edge and goes behind where Tom Latham makes no mistake. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 78 RUNS!

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Matt Henry seals the deal with his third wicket! He bangs this one into the pitch and on off, angles in with some extra bounce. Naseem Shah fails to sway away from the line of the ball and just hangs his bat away. The ball takes the outside edge and goes behind where Tom Latham makes no mistake. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 78 RUNS!

Short of a length, outside off. Abrar Ahmed gets his hands high up and dabs it towards deep third man region for a single.

FOUR! THREE IN A ROW! Goes slow and outside off. Abrar Ahmed picks it up immediately and dances down the track to slap it over mid on as the ball races towards the fence for another boundary.

FOUR! THUMPED! Full and in the slot. Abrar Ahmed clears his front leg and goes up and over towards sweeper cover for another boundary.

FOUR! PICKED UP HANDSOMELY! Slower one on leg stump. Abrar Ahmed gets towards the line of the ball and whips it towards deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Slower one outside off. Abrar Ahmed heaves it after making room and goes towards sweeper cover for a single.

Banged in short and angled towards the batter. Naseem Shah fends it awkwardly towards fine leg for a single.

Yorker on middle. Naseem Shah digs it out towards mid off.