Lahore, February 9, 2025 – The Europe Today: Glenn Phillips struck his maiden century while Mitchell Santner claimed three key wickets as New Zealand secured a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-nations series in Lahore on Saturday.
Phillips’ unbeaten 106 off 74 balls, featuring seven sixes and six boundaries, propelled New Zealand to an imposing total of 330-6 in their 50 overs. Santner then spearheaded the bowling attack with figures of 3-41, helping dismiss Pakistan for 252 in 47.5 overs.
The tri-series, which also includes South Africa, serves as a preparatory event for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.
Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Fakhar Zaman, who top-scored with a 69-ball 84, including four sixes and seven boundaries. He put on a solid 52-run opening stand with captain Babar Azam, who managed only 10 runs before falling to Michael Bracewell.
Santner capitalized on the slow surface at Gaddafi Stadium, dismissing Kamran Ghulam (18), Mohammad Rizwan (3), and Khushdil Shah (15) to put Pakistan under pressure. Despite a 53-run partnership between Salman Agha (40) and Tayyab Tahir (30), Pakistan faltered in the run chase.
Matt Henry (3-53) and Bracewell (2-41) further dismantled the batting lineup, sealing a comprehensive win for New Zealand.
Earlier, Phillips built on strong performances from Daryl Mitchell (81) and Kane Williamson (58) to power New Zealand’s innings. Williamson, playing his first ODI since November 2023, struck seven boundaries before edging a delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi to wicketkeeper Rizwan.
Mitchell, who appeared poised for a century, was dismissed for 81 after hitting four sixes and two boundaries. Phillips, however, took charge in the final overs, adding a crucial 54-run partnership with Bracewell (31 off 23 balls). New Zealand plundered 123 runs in the last 10 overs, including 84 in the final five.
Phillips reached his century in style, smashing a boundary and two sixes off Shaheen in the 50th over. Shaheen, despite an early breakthrough by dismissing Will Young for four, finished with expensive figures of 3-88. Spinner Abrar Ahmed contributed with the wicket of Rachin Ravindra (25) and Mitchell.
Pakistan suffered a further setback when pacer Haris Rauf walked off the field in the 37th over due to a side strain, having bowled just 6.2 overs and taken the wicket of Tom Latham for a duck.
New Zealand will look to build on their strong start as the tri-series progresses, while Pakistan will aim to bounce back in their next match.
