Pakistan vs New Zealand

Pakistan strong start; Babar Azam on 84*

As the match between Pakistan and New Zealand unfolds, Pakistan finds itself in a commanding position at 175/3 midway through the innings. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s top order delivered a composed and fluent performance on a surface offering true bounce and decent carry. The highlight of the innings so far has been the brilliant knock by Babar Azam, who is currently unbeaten on *84. His innings has been a masterclass in timing and placement, marked by elegant drives, crisp flicks, and calculated strike rotation. Babar has anchored the innings perfectly, showing his trademark calm and composure under pressure. His ability to find boundaries without taking undue risks has kept the run rate healthy and ensured Pakistan built a strong foundation. Abdullah Shafique also chipped in with a useful start before falling to a sharp delivery from Trent Boult, while Mohammad Rizwan added momentum with some aggressive strokes before being dismissed. Despite the wickets, the run flow has remained steady thanks to Babar's control at the crease. From New Zealand’s perspective, their bowlers have struggled to maintain consistent lines and lengths. While Matt Henry and Boult created early chances, their support bowlers have lacked penetration, allowing Pakistan to build partnerships. The Kiwis will now rely on spinners in the middle overs to break the rhythm and regain control. With plenty of batting left and Babar well-set, Pakistan is well-positioned to post a total in excess of 300, which would put significant pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup. However, quick wickets could still tilt the game. As it stands, the balance tips in Pakistan’s favor, and much will depend on how New Zealand bowls in the next 10 overs to claw their way back.