New Zealand made a great start to the ODI leg against Pakistan, winning the opening game on Tuesday, December 12, at John Davies Oval in Queenstown by 131 runs, following their 1-2 loss in the T20I series.
The visitors appeared helpless against the White Ferns’ assault when Nida Dar won the toss and chose to bowl first. Suzie Bates and Bernadine Bezuidenhout put together an incredible opening partnership of 165 off 156. Bezuidenhout was run out for a run-a-ball 86, which was a fortunate break for the opposition.
At bat, Amelia Kerr went out to bat at number three, and her aggressive strokeplay took the opposition bowlers to task. Umm-e-Hani removed Bates and Kerr after they had added 82 runs for the second wicket, with the former scoring a noteworthy 108 from 104.
As New Zealand finished at 365/4 in 50 overs, Kerr scored a career-high 83 off 69 balls, while Devine scored 70 off just 36 deliveries.
But there was no relief for Pakistan, as Kerr and Sophie Devine combined to help the hosts build on the strong foundation set by their opening pair, scoring 107 runs off 59 deliveries. Pakistan’s captain took off from the field after taking a knock to the face while bowling, which only made things worse. In the second innings, she was unable to bat.
It was critical for Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen, the opening duo, to get their side off to a strong start as they chased an enormous total. Despite Ali’s 44-run dismissal, they were able to do this, scoring 110 runs off 113 deliveries. The tourists were bowled out for 234 runs, however Ameen managed to hit 105 off 116 balls. No other Pakistani batsman was able to score more than 14. With the ball, Kerr shone, taking three wickets while Lea Tahuhu claimed two.
With their 131-run triumph, New Zealand jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. On Friday, December 15, and Monday, December 18, respectively, Christchurch will host the second and third ODIs.
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