New Zealand crush Pakistan by 78 runs in tri-series opener

New Zealand outclassed hosts Pakistan by 78 runs in the first match of the tri-nation series at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

Chasing a target of 331, Pakistan's batting lineup collapsed, and the team was bundled out for 252 runs in the 48th over.

Earlier, New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first. The visitors had a shaky start as Shaheen Afridi dismissed Will Young in the first over. Abrar Ahmed then sent Rachin Ravindra back to the pavilion with the team's total at just 39.

However, skipper Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Williamson, after scoring a responsible 58, was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi when the team's total was 134. Soon after, Tom Latham departed without scoring.

Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips then took charge, playing aggressive yet calculated cricket. Phillips stole the show with an unbeaten 106 off just 72 balls, guiding New Zealand to a commanding total of 330/6 in 50 overs. Mitchell also made a valuable contribution of 81 runs.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets. Abrar Ahmed took two wickets while Haris Rauf picked up one before leaving the field due to discomfort during his seventh over.

During the chase, Pakistan started aggressively, thanks to Fakhar Zaman. However, the top order failed to support him, with captain Babar Azam scoring just 10, Kamran Ghulam scoring 18, and Mohammad Rizwan departing for only three runs.

Fakhar played a valiant knock of 84 off 69 balls but fell at a crucial moment, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble. Agha Salman (40) and Tayyab Tahir (30) tried to fight back, but it wasn't enough as the team was all out for 252. Haris Rauf, due to his injury, didn't come out to bat.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner shone with three wickets each whereas Michael Bracewell claimed two.

The second match of the tri-nation series will be played between New Zealand and South Africa on Monday.