In the opening One-Day International on Tuesday, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 131 runs. Pakistan’s two of the team’s more seasoned players were injured during the match. Diana Baig, a crucial speedster, suffered a finger injury during a practice session prior to the first ODI match, which rendered her out of the game. As the match progressed, Pakistan’s problems grew as captain Nida Dar was hit in the face while bowling, forcing her to miss the rest. Pakistan was chasing 366 when they were reduced to a score of 234, largely due to losing their star pair.
As middle-order batters Bernadine Bezuidenhout (86), Amelia Kerr (83) and Sophie Devine (70 from 36 balls) provided ample support for Suzie Bates, who amused the spectators with her 108 from 104 balls. In a women’s ODI in New Zealand, the hosts’ combined efforts at the bat resulted in 365/4, their second-highest total. Sidra Ameen responded by matching Bates’s effort with a faultless 105 in 116 deliveries. Pakistan’s middle-order batsman did not give the right-handed batter the much-needed support that the white ferns did.
Amelia Kerr, the captain, took three wickets and Lea Tahuhu took two to orchestrate the middle-order collapse that moved the Kiwis closer to victory. With one ball remaining, Jess Kerr, Fran Jonas, Hannah Rowe, and Sophie Devine each claimed a wicket to bring Pakistan’s innings to a close on 234 runs. Pakistan will aim to recover and continue to build on their historic victory in the Twenty20 International Series. Baig has been ruled out of the entire series, but skipper Dar is anticipated to be fit for the final two ODI matches. Hagley Oval will host the second and third ODIs, which are scheduled for December 15 and December 18, respectively.
