Pakistan defeat New Zealand in first ODI | The Express Tribune
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RAWALPINDI: Opener Fakhar Zaman hit a splendid century to anchor Pakistan's five-wicket win against New Zealand in the first one-day international in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The left-hander smashed 13 boundaries and a six in his 117 made off 114 balls for his ninth ODI hundred as Pakistan chased down a target of 289 in 48.3 overs. The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. All-rounder Daryl Mitchell also made a century, scoring a brilliant 115-ball 113 while opener Will Young hit 86 to guide New Zealand to a challenging total of 288-7 in their 50 overs. It was Zaman who carried the day for the home team, bringing Pakistan within 34 runs of victory before being finally caught off a miscued shot. Imam-ul-Haq (60 off 65 balls) and Zaman put on 124 for the first wicket by the 22nd over, negating New Zealand's attack on a flat Pindi stadium pitch. Once Haq, who hit five boundaries and a six in his 15th ODI fifty, was removed leg-before by sp