Summary
Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Score, 1st ODI Tri-Series: Fakhar Zaman has got a half-century and is headlining PAK’s chase.
Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Score, 1st ODI Tri-Series: After the early departure of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman restabilised Pakistan’s innings with a gritty half-century. But the opener fell to Glenn Phillips after registering 84 runs. Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner has also struck twice as Pakistan chase 331 runs vs New Zealand.
Michael Bracewell struck early to remove Babar for 10 off 23 balls. Initially, Glenn Phillips got a century to take New Zealand to 330/6 in 50 overs. Phillips smacked 106* off 74 balls, packed with six fours and seven sixes, at the Gadaffi Stadium. New Zealand lost their openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra inside the powerplay, followed by the dismissals of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham. Meanwhile, Williamson bagged a half-century for New Zealand. Mitchell has registered a half-century before losing his wicket. In an era where triangular international series have all but faded into history, Pakistan is set to host a rare edition featuring New Zealand and South Africa. A format once synonymous with thrilling multi-team contests, the ODI tri-series is now an anomaly. The last time Pakistan staged such an event was in 2004, and globally, ODI tri-series have been absent since 2019. Given its uniqueness, this competition stands out as the only tri-nation series in the current Future Tours Programme (FTP).
However, this tri-series will not follow the traditional format of multiple rounds before the final. Instead, it has been condensed to a single round of fixtures before a summit clash. The scheduling constraints are evident, squeezed between South Africa’s SA20 league and the Champions Trophy.
But it is the latter event, Pakistan’s first major ICC tournament on home soil in nearly three decades, that provides the true significance of this series. For all three teams, it presents a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their strategies in similar conditions ahead of the marquee event.
Among the three participating teams, South Africa will be the most affected by absences, with key players unavailable due to SA20 commitments and injuries. In contrast, Pakistan and New Zealand have brought near full-strength squads, almost identical to those named for the Champions Trophy. Their clash in the tournament opener in Lahore carries added weight, given that they will also face off in the first game of the Champions Trophy, albeit in Karachi.
Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Score, 1st ODI Tri-Series: Fakhar Zaman has got a half-century and is headlining PAK’s chase.
The tri-series provides an invaluable platform for both teams to refine their combinations, particularly in the bowling department. New Zealand’s squad boasts a balanced mix of seam and spin options, with Mitchell Santner leading a slow-bowling unit that includes Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips. Their pace arsenal is even more formidable, featuring no fewer than six fast bowlers, giving them a versatile attack suited for various conditions.
Pakistan, meanwhile, appears to have revealed its strategy by opting for a seam-heavy attack, with only one specialist spinner complemented by part-timer Salman Ali Agha. A key experiment in their batting lineup will see Fakhar Zaman opening alongside Babar Azam, a combination the selectors are keen to test before finalizing the Champions Trophy squad. With February 11 marking the deadline for any squad alterations, this series carries significant importance for Pakistan beyond just winning matches.
Both teams arrive at this series following contrasting recent ODI fortunes. Pakistan has enjoyed a dominant run, winning each of their last three ODI series. On the other hand, New Zealand’s recent struggles in the format have been evident, particularly in the subcontinent, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan’s advantage in home conditions may be balanced by the fact that New Zealand has played extensively in the country over the last two years. Since December 2022, they have participated in two Tests, eight ODIs, and ten T20Is across four series, albeit often with weakened squads.
The upcoming matches may not possess the grandeur of past ODI tri-series, but they offer something even more valuable – momentum and clarity ahead of the Champions Trophy. With each team seeking to maximize their preparation time in Pakistan’s conditions, this tri-series is a crucial stepping stone toward one of the biggest prizes in ODI cricket.
Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE score, 1st ODI Tri-Series: Two quick wickets!
Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Score, 1st ODI Tri-Series: OUT! A short delivery by Santner, and it out of the reach of Khusdil, who gets beaten, Latham takes the bails off!
Khusdil st Latham b Santner 15 (18)
The over ends with back-to-back dots. The next over begins with Bracewell removing Agha now! Agha attacks this tossed up delivery and no power, gets caught by Mitchell!
Pakistan need 126 runs in 65 balls!
Agha c Mitchell b Bracewell 40 (51)
PAK: 205/7 (39.1), Target: 331
Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Score, 1st ODI Tri-Series: RAVINDRA IS HIT ON THE FACE!
Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Score, 1st ODI Tri-Series: A short delivery by Bracewell and Khushdil pulls it to deep backward square leg and it hits Ravindra on the face! HE IS BLEEDING! PUTS A TOWEL, PHYSIO COMES! TAKEN OFF THE FIELD! Pakistan now need 132 runs in 75 balls!
