Black Caps Win First ODI Against Pakistan

Henry Nicholls' batting tenacity, a gem of a ninth-wicket stand and a disciplined team bowling performance in the absence of the injured Mitchell McClenaghan saw New Zealand produce an unlikely 70-run triumph over Pakistan in the opening one-day international.

When the Black Caps were 99 for six in the 23rd over after being sent in, that seemed a preposterous plot twist.

They bridged the gap from ordinary to extraordinary over the course of the day in front of 6192 fans as the ground hosted its first ODI since 2005.

The result was tinged with melancholy when Mitchell McClenaghan suffered the arrival of an Anwar Ali delivery through his helmet visor from the penultimate ball. It left him with a bruised left eye. He went to the hospital for assessment, playing no further role in the match.

Read the full story at NZ Herald