New Zealand Dominate Pakistan in Opening Match of Tri-Nation Series: A Comprehensive Review
The highly anticipated opening match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series 2024/25 kicked off on February 8, 2025, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with New Zealand and Pakistan going head-to-head in a thrilling encounter. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand posted a dominant total of 330/6 in their 50 overs, and despite a strong effort from Pakistan’s top order, the hosts fell short, losing by 78 runs.
New Zealand’s Batting Brilliance: Phillips and Mitchell Shine
New Zealand’s decision to bat first was vindicated by a superb collective batting performance, but the undoubted hero of the innings was Glenn Phillips. His blistering knock of 106 off 74 balls* guided New Zealand to a daunting total. The stylish right-hander blasted 6 fours and 7 sixes, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 143.24 throughout his innings.
Phillips’ aggressive approach provided the perfect platform for New Zealand, especially in the latter stages of the innings. Coming in at number five, Phillips displayed an array of power shots, dominating the Pakistan bowlers with ease. His partnership with Daryl Mitchell (81 off 84 balls) was critical to New Zealand’s dominance in the middle overs, as the two added 147 runs for the fourth wicket, building the foundation for a big total.
Mitchell’s Steady Anchoring Role
While Phillips was lighting up the stadium, Daryl Mitchell played a more calculated innings, holding one end steady while Phillips attacked. Mitchell’s knock included 2 fours and 4 sixes, playing a crucial role in absorbing the pressure and allowing Phillips to thrive. His 81 runs came at a strike rate of 96.42, and together with Phillips, they capitalized on the powerplay and exploited the gaps in Pakistan’s bowling attack.
At the top, Kane Williamson played an anchoring role, contributing a well-crafted 58 off 89 balls. Although he didn’t quite accelerate as some might have expected, Williamson’s stability at the crease ensured New Zealand kept the scoreboard ticking.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Struggle
Pakistan’s bowlers, while not entirely ineffective, were unable to stem the tide against New Zealand’s clinical batting performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s premier pacer, bowled a full 10-over spell but was expensive, conceding 88 runs and picking up 3 wickets. He did manage to remove Will Young (4), Kane Williamson (58), and Michael Bracewell (31), but the damage had already been done by Phillips and Mitchell’s partnership.
Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most economical bowler, taking 2 wickets for 41 runs from his 10 overs. His control in the middle overs helped keep things in check somewhat, but the lack of support from the other bowlers meant New Zealand could maintain the pressure.
Haris Rauf (1/23) and Khushdil Shah (0/66) were far less successful, as they were unable to contain New Zealand’s big hitters, while Salman Agha also went for 31 runs in his 4.4 overs.
New Zealand’s Total: 330/6
After 50 overs, New Zealand posted a daunting total of 330/6. This scoreline was built on Phillips’ explosive finish and solid contributions from Mitchell, Williamson, and Bracewell. With their firepower, New Zealand looked poised to defend the total, but the chase would not be an easy task for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Response: Zaman Fights Hard, But Wickets Fall Regularly
Chasing 331 runs to win, Pakistan began their innings with Fakhar Zaman (84 off 69) looking in great touch. Zaman was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s chase, scoring aggressively with 7 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership with Babar Azam (10 off 23 balls) was crucial, but the latter’s dismissal to Glenn Phillips broke the partnership and put Pakistan on the back foot early.
Zaman was then joined by Kamran Ghulam (18), and although they managed to add a steady partnership, wickets continued to fall regularly. Zaman’s resilience and aggression kept Pakistan in the hunt for a while, but his dismissal at 119/4 sent the chase into disarray.
Middle Order Collapse: Pressure Mounts on Pakistan
The middle order failed to put up significant resistance, with Mohammad Rizwan (3), Salman Agha (40), and Tayyab Tahir (30) all falling before they could form substantial partnerships. Zaman’s wicket triggered a collapse, and Pakistan found themselves at 205/7 in the 39th over.
Khushdil Shah (15) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (10) tried to keep the momentum going, but the task proved too tall. Pakistan reached 250/9 in 47.3 overs, falling well short of New Zealand’s target.
New Zealand’s Bowlers: Clinical and Consistent
New Zealand’s bowlers were exceptional, maintaining pressure throughout Pakistan’s innings. Matt Henry was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 53 runs in his 9.5 overs. His scalps included important wickets such as Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Mitchell Santner (3/41) and Michael Bracewell (2/41) also played key roles in slowing down Pakistan’s progress. Santner, in particular, was outstanding in the middle overs, while Bracewell provided crucial breakthroughs with key wickets, including Fakhar Zaman.
Glenn Phillips: Player of the Match
Glenn Phillips was the undisputed Player of the Match. His match-winning 106 and 1/18 with the ball* made him the standout performer. With his all-round brilliance, Phillips not only anchored New Zealand’s innings but also played a vital role in dismantling Pakistan’s chase. His 200.49 MVP points reflected his dominance in both departments of the game.
Key Match Stats
- New Zealand Total: 330/6 (50 overs)
- Top Scorer: Glenn Phillips – 106* (74 balls)
- Best Bowler: Matt Henry – 3/53 (9.5 overs)
- Pakistan Total: 252 (47.5 overs)
- Top Scorer: Fakhar Zaman – 84 (69 balls)
- Best Bowler: Shaheen Shah Afridi – 3/88 (10 overs)