All-rounder Daryl Mitchell delivered a spectacular century, guiding New Zealand to a solid 288-7 against Pakistan in the first One-Day International in Rawalpindi.
The 31-year-old dazzled with a 115-ball 113, achieving his highest one-day international score, and bolstered New Zealand’s innings after they were put in to bat at Pindi Stadium.
Mitchell, who struck 11 fours and a six, formed a 102-run partnership for the second wicket with opener Will Young, who played an impressive 78-ball 86.
In the 47th over, Mitchell was caught at deep mid-wicket off fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, surpassing his previous best of 100 not out against Bangladesh in 2021.
Young hit eight boundaries and two sixes before being caught off spinner Shadab Khan at long-off.
Despite being dropped on 23 by Agha Salman off his own bowling, Mitchell continued to strengthen New Zealand’s innings with a sturdy 72-run stand alongside skipper Tom Latham (20).
However, facing tight bowling, the visitors managed to score just 66 runs in the last ten overs.
Mark Chapman, the star for New Zealand in the preceding five-match Twenty20 series that ended 2-2, was bowled by pacer Haris Rauf after scoring 15.
For Pakistan, the pace trio of Naseem Shah (2-29), Shaheen (2-63), and Rauf (2-65) claimed crucial wickets.
The remaining matches are scheduled in Rawalpindi on Saturday and in Karachi on May 3, 5, and 7.
