Wellington: New Zealand beats Pakistan by 9 wickets

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Wellington: New Zealand beats Pakistan by 9 wickets

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22 January,2011 11:13 am

New Zealand beat Pakistan by nine wickets in the first one-day international in Wellington on Saturday. Pakistan secured 124runs in 37.3 overs while New Zealand achieved the target in 17.2 overs on 125-1. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the visitors never looked comfortable on the drop-in pitch, with New Zealand's pace bowlers getting good bounce, shape and movement away from the batsmen, causing them to prod at deliveries.Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder also took catches behind the wicket as Pakistan failed to build any meaningful partnerships, with both Hamish Bennett and Jacob Oram flirting with hat-tricks. Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-haq was again the mainstay of his side's batting effort top scoring with 50 as he took to the New Zealand attack when last man Shahid Afridi joined him at the crease while Younus Khan was next best with 24. Southee finished with career-best five for 33 off 9.3 overs, while Bennett took three for 26.