Match Summary

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first on a decent batting pitch. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam ul Haq provided a solid start, adding 57 runs for the first wicket. Imam fell for 32 but Zaman kept going and scored a brilliant hundred. He found an able partner in Babar Azam and the duo stitched a 120-run stand for the 2nd wicket.

Zaman was finally dismissed for 113 off just 82 balls while Azam made 66 off 73 deliveries. Aggressive cameos from Mohammad Rizwan (32 off 18) and Iftikhar Ahmed (27 off 14) helped Pakistan post a massive total of 319/9 in their 50 overs.

In response, New Zealand got off to a poor start losing both openers cheaply inside 6 overs. Kane Williamson steadied the ship with a fighting 85 but kept running out of partners at the other end. Once he fell, the chase was as good as over for the Kiwis. They eventually got bundled out for just 182 in the 43rd over, losing the match comprehensively by 137 runs.

Shaheen Afridi was the wrecker-in-chief, picking up 4/38 in 8.1 overs. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz claimed 2 wickets each as the Kiwi batting lineup failed to fire. Only Williamson provided any resistance with his solitary fifty.

Match Scorecard

Pakistan

Batting

Extras 15
Total 319/9 50

Bowling

New Zealand

Batting

Extras 7
Total 182 43.1

Bowling

Pakistan won by 137 runs

Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman

Key Stats and Facts

• Fakhar Zaman’s century was his 8th in ODIs. It came off just 82 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixes.
• Babar Azam scored his 17th ODI fifty and crossed the 5000 run mark in the format.
• Kane Williamson anchored the New Zealand chase with a solid 85 off 100 balls including 6 fours.
• Shaheen Afridi was back to his best picking 4/38 in 8.1 overs. He got the key wickets of Conway, Williamson and Latham.
• Pakistan’s total of 319/9 was their 7th highest ODI score against New Zealand.
• New Zealand was bowled out for 182 in just 43.1 overs, their 5th lowest total against Pakistan.
• This was Pakistan’s biggest win (by runs) against the Black Caps in ODIs.

Impact on Series

With this comprehensive 137 run victory, Pakistan has taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. The win highlights the gulf between the two sides, especially in Asian conditions where Pakistan is clearly the stronger team.

New Zealand will need to improve in all departments if they want to bounce back in the series. Their batting barring Williamson flopped while the bowling lacked potency on this surface.

The second ODI will be played on 11th January, once again in Karachi. New Zealand will be hoping for a better performance to level the series. Otherwise, Pakistan will be on course for another ODI series win at home.

Conclusion

Pakistan outclassed New Zealand in all departments to win the first ODI by 137 runs. Batting first, magnificent centuries by openers Zaman and Azam helped Pakistan post an imposing 319/9. In reply, the Kiwi batting never got going barring Williamson’s 85. Regular strikes by Afridi and the other pacers bowled New Zealand out for just 182 in 43.1 overs. This comprehensive win gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series as they look to continue their recent ODI dominance at home. I hope this Pakistan Vs New Zealand 1St Odi 9 January 2023 Scorecard post helps you.

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Batting mainstay Mohammad Rizwan compiled a masterful 77 while Mohammad Nawaz blazed away with 45 off 40 balls to secure victory with 11 balls to spare. Relive all the thrilling highlights from Pakistan’s series-starting win!

Fiery Fakhar Sparks New Zealand Collapse

Put into bat first, New Zealand suffered immediate setbacks losing both openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway for single digit scores within the first three overs. Debutant fast bowler Aamer Jamal and Haris Rauf maintained pressure with tight lines denying the Kiwis any fluency.

The Black Caps innings desperately lacked momentum until Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell steadied things with a patient 92-run rebuild. However, both well set batters perished in quick succession to trigger a middle-order implosion.

Player of the match Fakhar Zaman turned the game with his clever slower balls and variations to ran through New Zealand’s middle-order. The left-armer finished with sublime figures of 3/56 in 10 overs including removing Phillips and Mitchell.

Despite late cameos from Michael Bracewell (43 off 48 balls) and Mitchell Santner (27 off 27 balls), New Zealand settled for a below par total of 255-9 at the halfway mark.

Rizwan Anchors Measured Pakistan Chase

In response, Pakistan assembled a solid start between openers Rizwan and Shan Masood negotiating the testing new ball period confidently. Both batsmen countered Boult and Southee’s probing lines while steadily accumulating runs with sensible strokeplay.

Rizwan assumed control once the mandatory powerplay ended to carefully orchestrate the chase. While he held one end intact, Haris Sohail (6), Babar Azam (14) and Shan Masood (40) all perished trying to accelerate rashly from the other end.

But Rizwan maintained a composed presence at the crease to steer Pakistan towards a position of command. The seasoned campaigner struck 4 sweet boundaries before falling with victory in sight for a well-crafted 75 off 89 balls.

Blazing Nawaz Seals Win

With Rizwan back in the pavilion, Pakistan still required a further 60 runs during the last 10 overs with the asking rate creeping up. All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz courageously took up the challenge to clobber Kiwi bowlers around Karachi with disdain.

Nawaz counterattacked superbly by smoking 4 sixes and 2 fours in his rapid 40-ball 45 knock. With the help of Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 30, Nawaz successfully led Pakistan past the target in style.

His dominant hitting coupled with Rizwan’s patient masterclass earlier steered Pakistan home to gain early series advantage. The hosts will seek another strong showing during the 2nd ODI on Wednesday to secure their first ODI series win over New Zealand since 2011. I hope this Pakistan Vs New Zealand 1St Odi 9 January 2023 Full Match Highlights post helps you.

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The familiar foes last crossed paths at the T20 World Cup 2021 when Pakistan upstaged previously unbeaten New Zealand by 5 wickets during the epic semi-finals. Having suffered that dramatic defeat, can the Black Caps now redeem themselves by conquering Pakistan away from home?

As the cricketing titans renew acquaintances, let’s preview the marquee series everybody awaits!

Pakistan Seeks Batting Resurgence

For Pakistan, this home series represents a timely opportunity to regroup and reenergize following recent batting collapses. An opening stand featuring skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remains their engine room. But over-reliance on the duo often leaves Pakistan vulnerable if that partnership misfires.

Reintegrating the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah and Haider Ali provides greater solidity. Their middle-order firepower adds explosiveness alongside veterans Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan to form a power-packed batting lineup.

Acclimatizing quickly against a world-class Kiwi attack also makes for ideal preparation before the T20 World Cup. Expect Babar and coach Ramiz Raja to emphasize more collective batting responsibility.

Black Caps Seek Revenge

Still haunted by last year’s semi-final defeat, New Zealand will be itching for redemption during their week-long sojourn in Pakistan. Skipper Kane Williamson averages a phenomenal 47.33 against Pakistan seeking to anchor their run chases expertly yet again.

Wicketkeeper Devon Conway scored an unbeaten 92 during their last Karachi visit and will relish returning. The spin duo of Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell thrives on subcontinent conditions to supplement Tim Southee and Trent Boult’s supreme new ball bursts.

But just like Pakistan, New Zealand also suffers from over-dependency on certain key names. Finding greater batting depth represents another priority with the returning Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips seeking to cement middle-order spots long-term alongside Daryl Mitchell.

Crackling Battles in Store

Considering both teams current No.3 and 4 rankings respectively, Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 contests frequently produce nail-biting thrillers going down to the wire.

Their last five T20I meetings all saw margins under 30 runs highlighting the evenly matched contests. Pakistan does lead the overall T20I head-to-head record 8-5 but by very narrow margins.

Fans can expect more intense, seesawing encounters between two world-beating T20I outfits. With this series kickstarting high stakes World Cup preparations, neither team will hold back any punches.

Match Details

The Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series commences on April 12th, 2023 with matches scheduled for Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The PCB also invited Zimbabwe for additional T20I practice immediately after the Black Caps series concludes. Thereafter, Pakistan departs for Australia to acclimatize further ahead of the T20 World Cup.

So brace yourselves for thrilling Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 action coming up soon!

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