The first match of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand kicked off on January 9, Monday, in The National Stadium, Karachi. After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bowl first and put New Zealand on the back foot in the very first over. The team’s young bowler Naseem Shah clean-bowled the in-form opener Devon Conway on the sixth ball of the match.
Naseem came to bowl the first over for the Pakistan team. He surprised Finn Allen on the first four balls, while Allen took a single on the fifth ball and Devon Conway came on strike. Naseem bowled Conway a dangerous yorker for which he was not prepared at all and the ball went through his leg and went straight into the stump. Everyone was surprised to see this wicket and the pace of the ball.
Watch the video here:
BOWLED 'IM 🎯@iNaseemShah with the first-over wicket 🙌#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/v5JHtZbgKU
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023
50-over World Cup preparation starts for both teams
With the World Cup being held in India this year, New Zealand have a golden opportunity to test their team in the sub-continent. At the same time, the Pakistan team will try to find their right combination. All the matches of the series between these two teams will be held in Karachi only, so in this opening match, the pitch will also be taken into account by the team.
Talking about the second and final Test between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi, it saw a thrilling finish as the match ended in a draw with three overs still left to play. Chasing a target of 319, Pakistan were 304/9 after tailenders Naseem and Abrar Ahmed survived 21 balls in fading light in Karachi. Both sides could have the 2nd test but it ended in a draw as bad light curtailed the final day’s play.
As a result of this draw Pakistan’s percentage points on the WTC points table moved up to 38.1, while New Zealand’s percentage points moved up to 27.27. Both the teams remained on the 7th and 8th position on the table respectively
