New Zealand head into their second ODI against Pakistan with a 1-0 lead following a convincing performance on Wednesday.
New Zealand continued their recent dominance over Pakistan in ODI cricket on the back of a strong middle-order display and disciplined bowling.
Pakistan were almost entirely undone by a Trent Boult hat-trick that sent their batting effort into complete disarray.
Pakistan vs New Zealand | Friday 9 November | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium | 13:00
To Win Match *Forecast Odds
Pakistan 6/10
Tie 35/1
New Zealand 13/10
Pakistan
Losing the trio of Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez for just one run made their chase of a stiff target of 267 nearly impossible but the lower-order grit displayed is a big plus for Pakistan.
Fifties from all-rounders Imad Wasim and Sarfraz Ahmed weren’t enough to get Pakistan home but they kept their side in the hunt. The lower order’s steel is pleasing in the light of the approaching World Cup but the top order need to get runs to keep them in this series.
Imam Ul Haq and Shoaib Malik threw away starts when both would have known the importance of going on, especially with the surface proving a difficult one to get started on.
Pacemen Hasan Ali and Junaid Khan need to find greater control, their loose bowling allowed New Zealand to push beyond the 250 mark which is recent times has proven tough to chase down in Abu Dhabi.
New Zealand
The Black Caps put in a pleasing performance as Ross Taylor continued his fine form while Tom Latham came into the side and made an immediate impact despite playing his first international since March.
The Black Caps have a solid looking batting lineup even without the injured Martin Guptill with Colin Munro providing the firepower up front to lay the platform for the class of Kane Williamson and Taylor in the middle.
Latham is a player capable of pushing up the tempo or performing a rebuilding job and his presence in the ODI side is massive considering how Pakistan have struggled for a handy number five in this format of the game.
Boult’s blitz struck a knockout blow to Pakistan and proved the value of having a world class fast bowler in your squad no matter the conditions.
Verdict: New Zealand 13/10
After winning the first game of the series expect New Zealand to make the most of the quick turnaround and seal the series.
