New Zealand beat Pakistan by 61 runs in rain-affected game

WELLINGTON: New Zealand have beaten Pakistan by 61 runs on Duckworth–Lewis (DLS) method in rain affected game on Saturday.  

With New Zealand batting first, Pakistan was given a target of 316 runs in the first one-day international (ODI) match played in Reserve Basin. Pakistan had won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first.

The match was stopped due to rain when Pakistan reached 166-6. Sarfraz XI were 61 runs behind New Zealand as per the Duckworth–Lewis method. The match was called off, as Kiwis managed to secure 52 runs victory in first ODI.

In the given number of overs, New Zealand lost only seven wickets in their journey to 315 runs. Skipper Kane Williamson led from the front to bag a well deserved 115 runs.

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Hassan Ali of Pakistan took three wickets, while Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman took one each.

With Pakistan chasing the huge total, they lost their first wicket at just six runs when Tim Southee took Azhar Ali's wicket.

Southee went on to take another wicket when he bowled out Babar Azam at seven runs. Trent Boult took the third, sending Mohammad Hafeez off the pitch.

However, Zaman continued to resist from the one end and managed to score unbeaten 82 runs before rain interrupted the game.