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Pakistan won the first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against New Zealand by 6 wickets on Monday (January 9).
Winning the toss, Pakistan decided to field first and restricted New Zealand to 255/9 in 50 overs. Michael Bracewell (43) and Tom Latham (42) were the main contributors for the Black Caps.
In reply, skipper Babar Azam (66) and Mohammed Rizwan (77) guided Pakistan to victory as they chased the set target in 48.1 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Talking about the team’s bowling performance, Usama Mir – making his debut for the Men in Green – took his maiden wicket in form of Kane Williamson. He clean bowled New Zealand’s captain with a superb delivery.
Williamson seemed baffled after getting out. His reaction before making his way back to the pavilion has been doing rounds on social media.
Here’s the video:
A brilliant start to @iamusamamir's ODI career! 💫
Kane Williamson is Usama's maiden ODI wicket 🙌#TayyariKiwiHai | #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/CL6KOA3GK8
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023
Later, Mir went on to pick the wicket of wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s interim selection committee led by Shahid Afridi had included Mir in the ODI squad in place of the injured Shadab Khan. Mir was rewarded for his exceptional bowling performances at the Pakistan Cup (national domestic List A cricket competition).
Pakistan are now 1-0 up in the ODI leg, and with a win in the next game, they can take away the series from New Zealand.
