Pakistan vs New Zealand: Babar Azam lauded Naseem Shah and the opposite quick bowlers after the Men in Green gained the primary ODI by six wickets in Karachi.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 9, 2023 23:44 IST
All credit score goes to them: Babar lauds pacers after PAK’s 6-wicket win vs NZ in 1st ODI. Courtesy: AP
By India Today Web Desk: Skipper Babar Azam heaped reward on his staff’s quick bowlers after Pakistan secured a six-wicket victory over New Zealand within the first ODI in opposition to New Zealand on the National Stadium in Karachi.
Among the pacers, it was Naseem Shah, who stood out, after he picked up a five-wicket haul and in addition gained the Player of the Match award. Even as Haris Rauf didn’t have the perfect of days, Naseem obtained help from Mohammad Wasim Jr, who obtained the essential wicket of opening batter Finn Allen.
“We utilised the new ball, and fast bowlers executed the plan. All the credit goes to them,” Babar was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Babar, who scored 66 runs off 82 balls with five fours and one six, reckoned that batting wasn’t easy due to the weather conditions. The captain didn’t forget to credit Mohammad Rizwan, who stayed unbeaten on 77 off 86 balls with six fours and one six.
“We knew it would be cold, and there would be dew… It was difficult for a new batter coming in. In the end, Rizwan was outstanding,” Babar stated.
Babar was also involved in a handy 60-run partnership with Rizwan for the third wicket after Michael Bracewell got the important wicket of Fakhar Zaman. Agha Salman hit Tim Southee for a six down the ground as Pakistan chased 256 down with 11 balls to spare.
“It is good to have options as a captain, and I have a lot of them in terms of fast bowlers as well as spinners,” he added.
The second ODI will happen on Wednesday, January 11 in Karachi itself.
Edited By:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published On:
Jan 9, 2023
