New Zealand beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in first one-day international (ODI) that was played at Wellington Stadium today.
New Zealand cruised to a seven-wicket win over an underdone Pakistan in the first of their two one-day internationals in Wellington.
After removing Pakistan for 210 in the 46th over, New Zealand reached their target in the 40th over with Grant Elliott now out 64 and Ross Taylor unbeaten on 59.
The comfortable victory for New Zealand underscored Pakistan’s lack of preparation two weeks away from the start of the World Cup.
It was their first ODI since they were beaten 3-2 in a home series against New Zealand before Christmas, and the lack of match play was evident from the moment they lost the toss and were put in to bat.
New Zealand launched into their chase at more than six an over with Brendon McCullum, returning to the line-up after sitting out the last game against Sri Lanka, blasting a rapid 17 before he was gone in the fourth over.
Elliott and Taylor then led New Zealand home, adding 112 in an unbeaten fourth wicket stand.
Pakistan’s innings only nudged over the 200 mark thanks to a 71-run partnership in 38 balls by captain Misbah-ul-Haq and all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Kyle Mills bowled Mohammad Hafeez with the fifth ball of the match which started a slide that saw Pakistan at 127-6 in the 36th over before Misbah (58) and Afridi (67) provided a little backbone.
But when Misbah went it started another slide with the last four wickets falling for 12 runs.
Elliott, who took the wicket of Misbah and mopped up the tail, was the most successful New Zealand bowler with three for 26 while Mills, Trent Boult and Corey Anderson took two apiece. (AFP).
