New Zealand vs Pakistan: Glenn Phillips’ Stunning Century Powers New Zealand to Victory

Glenn Phillips played a sensational knock, scoring his maiden ODI century to propel New Zealand to a commanding 78-run victory over hosts Pakistan in the opening match of the ODI tri-series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. His outstanding death-overs hitting turned the tide, taking New Zealand to an imposing total of 330/6.

New Zealand’s Dominance with the Bat

The match began with New Zealand facing an early setback as Shaheen Afridi dismissed Will Young in the opening over. Rachin Ravindra showed aggression with a quick 19-ball 25 before falling to Abrar Ahmed, leaving New Zealand at 45/2.

Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell then took charge, stitching a crucial 95-run stand for the third wicket. Although Williamson was not at his fluent best and had a few close calls, he managed to anchor the innings with a well-compiled 58. Mitchell, meanwhile, took the lead in acceleration, reaching his half-century in just 61 balls. His counter-attacking style ensured New Zealand stayed on track despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

Williamson’s innings was cut short by Afridi, while Tom Latham was dismissed soon after. With the score at 208/5 after 41 overs, it seemed New Zealand might end with a par total. However, Glenn Phillips had other plans.

Glenn Phillips’ Explosive Finish

Phillips was batting on 26 off 38 balls before he unleashed a brutal assault on Pakistan’s bowlers. Partnering with Michael Bracewell, who hit a quick 31, Phillips began the onslaught in the last nine overs, where New Zealand amassed 122 runs. He reached his fifty in 55 balls but shifted gears dramatically, scoring 47 runs in the last three overs alone.

Afridi bore the brunt of Phillips’ attack, conceding multiple sixes in the death overs. His exceptional knock of 106* off just 72 balls, featuring six fours and seven sixes, ensured New Zealand finished at a daunting 330/6.

Pakistan’s Struggle in the Chase

Pakistan’s chase started on a strong note, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive batting. He dominated the powerplay, forming a 52-run opening stand with Babar Azam. However, New Zealand’s spin strategy worked, as Bracewell dismissed Babar for 10.

Zaman continued his onslaught, reaching his half-century in just 48 balls, but the momentum shifted when Mitchell Santner removed Kamran Ghulam for 18 and later trapped skipper Mohammad Rizwan LBW for just 3. Rizwan burned a review in the process, and in the following over, Zaman (84) also wasted a review before being adjudged LBW by Phillips. These quick blows reduced Pakistan to 117/4 in the 24th over, putting them on the back foot.

Pakistan’s Middle-Order Collapse

A half-century stand between Salman Agha (40) and Tayyab Tahir (30) gave Pakistan some hope, but they were soon undone by disciplined bowling. Santner, leading from the front, dried up the runs in the middle overs. Matt Henry and Bracewell then dismissed Salman and Khushdil Shah in successive deliveries, as Pakistan slumped further.

With the required run rate soaring past 9.35 per over, Pakistan’s lower order crumbled. Henry removed Afridi and Naseem Shah to finish with figures of 3/53, while Santner also claimed three wickets, dismantling Pakistan for just 252 in 47.5 overs.

Key Performers

New Zealand

• Glenn Phillips – 106* (72)
• Daryl Mitchell – 81 (84)
• Kane Williamson – 58 (67)
• Matt Henry – 3/53
• Mitchell Santner – 3/41
• Michael Bracewell – 2/41

Pakistan

• Fakhar Zaman – 84 (77)
• Salman Agha – 40 (51)
• Shaheen Afridi – 3/88
• Abrar Ahmed – 2/41

Pakistan’s Road Ahead in the Tri-Series

The defeat serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan, who must regroup quickly before facing South Africa in their next match. With the Champions Trophy looming, Pakistan needs to address their inconsistent middle order and improve their death bowling. Meanwhile, New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second match of the series in Lahore before the final leg in Karachi.

Live Streaming and Broadcast Details

For fans eager to follow the tri-series action:

Date: Saturday, February 8

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Time: 2:30 PM IST (Toss at 2:00 PM)

TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network

Live Streaming: FanCode app and website

Conclusion

New Zealand’s dominant performance, highlighted by Glenn Phillips’ sensational century, set the tone for the tri-series. Pakistan, despite a solid start, faltered under pressure, exposing their batting vulnerabilities. With crucial games ahead, both teams will look to fine-tune their strategies as they gear up for the Champions Trophy.