KARACHI: Despite Devon Conway’s outstanding century, Pakistan’s bowling assault against New Zealand was anchored by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz and teenage pacer Naseem Shah. The hosts bowled out New Zealand for 261 runs.
Despite an incredible second-wicket partnership between captain Kane Williamson and Devon Conway, who both scored hundreds, New Zealand, batting first after winning the toss, could only muster 261 runs.
The visiting team’s innings got off to a disappointing start as they lost opener Finn Allen in the first over against Naseem Shah.
After a slow start, captain Williamson and the opener Conway tried to anchor the innings with a tough second-wicket partnership, putting up 181 runs at a respectable rate.
New Zealand was hoping to reach the 300-run mark during the second wicket stand, but Naseem struck in the 30th over to briefly remove Conway following his century and end the crucial partnership.
Conway led New Zealand in scoring with 101 runs off 92 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and a six.
After the crucial breakthrough, Babar Azam’s decision to introduce spin paid off as Mohammad Nawaz’s back-to-back strikes in the 33rd over put the visiting side on the back foot.
Then Williamson, who walked back after scoring an 82 from 100 balls with the help of 10 boundaries, dealt New Zealand another significant blow.
After he was out, New Zealand began to lose wickets at a startling rate, which interrupted their attempt to reach a high score as eight of their batters failed to reach double figures.
Santner, who also scored important runs alongside Conway and Williamson, gave a valiant effort by scoring 37 runs off 40 deliveries before being out in the last over.
Pakistani Bowlers
With 4/38, Nawaz led Pakistan’s bowling assault, and Naseem took three wickets. On the other side, Usama Mir and Haris Rauf each made one scalp.
