Delve into the match analysis of Phillips’ Century and Fakhar’s determined fight as New Zealand clinches a 78-run win in the Lahore ODI.
Introduction:
New Zealand defeated Pakistan by an impressive 78 runs in the first game of the tri-series in Lahore as Glenn Phillips bludgeoned his way to a thrill-a-minute hundred that turned the whole match on its head. His 72-ball hundred, during which 98 runs were scored in the final six overs, totally turned the match in New Zealand’s favor as Pakistan faltered under pressure in pursuit of 330 after Fakhar Zaman gave a flying start.
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Phillips’ Late Onslaught Changes the Game
For most of New Zealand’s innings, Pakistan’s bowlers seemed to be in control as they took wickets regularly while keeping the run rate in check. Even when Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell were scoring half-centuries, the visitors seemed to be finding it difficult to accelerate. However, Glenn Phillips changed the whole narrative with his stunning display in the final overs.
Phillips was measured in the initial part of his innings, cautiously moving to 29 off 43 deliveries. But his transformation was rapid—his next 77 runs came in just 32 balls. Salman Agha bore the brunt of his aggression, getting dispatched for consecutive sixes, signaling Phillips’ intent. The carnage continued as he hammered Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah in the final overs. His century, which came in the last over, had 25 runs coming off Afridi alone, ensuring New Zealand posted a daunting 330.
Pakistan’s Early Effort and Fakhar Zaman’s Lone Fight
Pakistan responded with an aggressive mindset, with Babar Azam opening alongside Fakhar Zaman. While the crowd roared for their captain, Babar’s stay was short-lived. He flicked a straightforward delivery from Michael Bracewell to midwicket, departing for a low score. His dismissal piled pressure on Fakhar, who shouldered Pakistan’s hopes with an explosive start.
Fakhar batted against the New Zealand spinners, especially Mitchell Santner and Bracewell, and scored with good pace and kept Pakistan in the game. He reached an elegant 84 off 69 balls, scoring all around the ground. Still, Pakistan was losing wickets at the other end and did not build up any significant partnership.
Phillips Strikes Again to Seal Pakistan’s Fate
Just when Pakistan seemed poised to drive the game on, Glenn Phillips also made an impact of the game with a bowling effort. In the 24th over, he trapped Fakhar plumb in front with a delivery which skidded on, thus breaking Pakistan’s back. With 212 runs still needed at an asking rate of well over nine per over, Pakistan’s hopes dwindled fast.
Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan could not sustain the mounting required run rate and lost their wickets under pressure. Tayyab Tahir and Agha Salman tried to rebuild the innings but were up against a New Zealand attack that showed no signs of letting up. The defining moment came when Bracewell pulled off a stunning diving catch to get rid of Tahir, putting paid to Pakistan’s last realistic hope of a fightback.
New Zealand Seals the Deal Comfortably
With the lower-middle order crumbling, it was obvious that Pakistan was merely delaying the inevitable. New Zealand’s only reverse was when Rachin Ravindra, in trying to play a ball under the lights, misjudged it and received a nasty cut on his forehead. Still, the team kept its focus on finishing the job.
Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman were dismissed within four balls of each other as Pakistan’s chase completely unraveled. Abrar Ahmed did have a few late blows, though, and he could not help Pakistan make an impression on this daunting target. Matt Henry sent Naseem Shah back for 13 balls as New Zealand took the game home in a comfortable manner.
New Zealand began their tournament well.
Such dominant performances have made New Zealand early winners of this tri-series, for their batting went deep behind some late fireworks from Phillips while the bowlers performed according to plan. Now Pakistan will need to regroup soon and deal with their fragile middle order in case they return strong in the second match.