The first ODI goes to Pakistan, leaving New Zealand in a must-win situation two days later. The quick turnaround on this tour continues, even as Suds' match report for the day has you covered. Thanks for your company in the series opener though, as we sign off tonight. Until next time, see you!
Babar Azam, the winning captain: "We utilised the new ball, and fast bowlers executed the plan. All the credit goes to them. We knew it would be cold, and there would be dew... It was difficult for a new batter coming in. In the end, Rizwan was outstanding. It is good to have options as a captain, and I have a lot of them in terms of fast bowlers as well as spinners."
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson: "We would have liked a few runs. Pakistan were clinical with the ball. There were glimpses where the game could have changed. Pakistan adapted better. There were a number of mid-partnerships, but no one going on... The toss had an impact, but I still feel there was enough assistance [with the ball] in the second half. We got some turn, and it skidded on with the new ball."
Naseem Shah is the Player of the Match for his 5 for 57: "Good performance is fun only when the team wins. Everyone bowled well. It was reversing, and I just bowled to my strength."
Time for the presentations
Umair H: "My MoM is Naseem Shah"
Asad: "Finally a victory for Pakistan" --- Finally a result in Karachi
Agha Salman speaks after the win: "It was a tricky pitch, yes, so 280-290 would have been difficult to chase. There was reverse [swing] in the first innings, but it wasn't happening now due to the dew. It was a complete performance from our side."
M. Asif: "My Hero for Today Match is Haris Sohail"
10.19pm A comfortable win in the end despite a bit of hiccup when the required run rate was heading north in the middle overs. It took a cameo of 32 from 23 balls from Sohail to pull the momentum back for Pakistan, with Babar's 66 and Rizwan's 77* ensuring calmness around him. But the win was set up earlier, when Naseem picked up 5 for 57, and debutant legspinner Mir got Williamson and Latham to restrict New Zealand to 255. Hang around for the presentations.
"@Himanshu, isn't it only 90 overs per day. It's now 98th going on" --- We are into 2023 already, Manthan Jain
END OF OVER:48 | 4 Runs | PAK: 252/4 (4 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 5.25, RRR: 2.00)
- Salman Agha7 (9b)
- Mohammad Rizwan77 (86b)
- Lockie Ferguson8-0-51-0
- Tim Southee8-0-49-1
8 off 18. Maybe the last over of play today?
END OF OVER:47 | 7 Runs | PAK: 248/4 (8 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 5.27, RRR: 2.66)
- Salman Agha6 (7b)
- Mohammad Rizwan74 (82b)
- Tim Southee8-0-49-1
- Lockie Ferguson7-0-47-0
END OF OVER:46 | 9 Runs | PAK: 241/4 (15 runs required from 24 balls, RR: 5.23, RRR: 3.75)
- Mohammad Rizwan72 (80b)
- Salman Agha1 (3b)
- Lockie Ferguson7-0-47-0
- Tim Southee7-0-42-1
