Daryl Mitchell ton not enough for Black Caps

Fakhar Zaman
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Pakistan has scored a comfortable five wicket win over the Black Caps in the opening one day international in Rawalpindi.

A century from Daryl Mitchell helped set up a target of 289 for the homeside, who got home with nine balls to spare.

After being asked to bat first New Zealand made 288 for seven with Will Young and Chad Bowes putting on 48 for the first wicket.

Young, who made 86 off 78 balls, then put on 102 for the second wicket with Mitchell who top scored with 113, his second ODI century.

However partnerships didn’t last long after that with Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls the best of the rest with 20 runs each.

Accurate bowling from the Pakistani’s kept New Zealand under 300.

Pace bowler Naseem Shah allowed just 12 runs from his his six over spell and he finished with two for 29 from his 10 overs.

Pakistan timed their run chase well.

Fakhar Zaman and Iman-ul-Haq put on 124 for the first wicket with Fakhar top scoring with 117, his ninth ODI century.

Imam made 60 and Babar Azam 49.

While New Zealand managed to pick up a few wickets at the end of the game, Pakistan fully deserved the win.

Adam Milne picked up two wickets, while Blair Tickner, Ish Sodhi and Rachin Ravindra got one each.

The second game of the five match series is also in Rawalpindi Saturday night.