Shahid Afridi hit an aggressive half-century and took two wickets to cap Pakistan's 138-run win over New Zealand in the first day-night international here yesterday.
Shahid Afridi hit an aggressive half-century and took two wickets to cap Pakistan's 138-run win over New Zealand in the first day-night international here yesterday.
Afridi's 50-ball 71 supplemented by Kamran Akmal's undefeated 43-ball 67 and Khalid Latif's steady maiden fifty lifted Pakistan to an imposing 287-9 before they shot New Zealand out for 149 in the 40th over.
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The remaining two matches will be played here on Friday and Monday, before the two teams move to Dubai for two Twenty20 internationals on November 12 and 13.
Chasing a daunting target, New Zealand were never on course as Gul shook them by bowling Brendon McCullum (21) and Martin Guptill (four).
Mohammad Aamir accounted for Ross Taylor (nought) and Abdul Razzaq sent Scott Styris (five) back as New Zealand reeled at 50-4. Aaron Redmond (52) and Daniel Vettori (38) provided the only resistance during a 69-run fifth wicket stand before five wickets fell for 10 runs.
Pakistan captain Younus Khan praised Afridi and Akmal.
"It was a professional performance led by Afridi and Akmal. They changed the game after we were in trouble in the first 10 overs," said Younus.
Vettori agreed Akmal and Afridi took the game away. "We were on our way to restrict them to 220-230 but Afridi and Akmal batted very well and we strayed in the last 12-15 overs and in the batting power-play," said Vettori of the five overs where Pakistan scored 55.
Akmal gave Pakistan's innings the impetus with a belligerent 43-ball 67 as Pakistan made 107 in the last 10 overs. The limited over series was relocated to Abu Dhabi after New Zealand refused to tour Pakistan over security fears.
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