New Zealand, after winning the toss and opting to bat, set a daunting target of 331 runs for Pakistan. The innings was dominated by a breathtaking century from Glenn Phillips, who scored an unbeaten 106 off just 74 deliveries. His knock was peppered with seven sixes and six boundaries, providing the Kiwis with the momentum needed in the death overs. Support came from Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, who scored 58 and 81 runs respectively, setting a solid foundation for the late onslaught.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, managed to keep the game in check for most parts, with Afridi himself taking three wickets. However, the last six overs saw New Zealand amassing 98 runs, thanks largely to Phillips’ aggressive play.
In response, Pakistan began with promise as openers Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam stitched together a 50-run partnership. Fakhar Zaman, in particular, played a memorable innings, scoring 84 runs and looking set to chase down the mammoth total. However, his dismissal marked the beginning of Pakistan’s downfall.
The middle order couldn’t keep up with the required run rate, and the spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell from New Zealand capitalized on this. Santner emerged as the star bowler, claiming three wickets for 41 runs, effectively breaking the back of Pakistan’s batting lineup. Despite a late fightback from Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir, who scored 40 and 30 respectively, the asking rate became too steep for the tail-enders.