• New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the first game of the ODI Tri-Series by 78 runs.

  • Glenn Phillips earned the Player of the Match for his splendid maiden century.

Twitter reactions: Glenn Phillips’ maiden ton propels New Zealand to commanding win over Pakistan in the 1st game of ODI Tri-Series 2025
Glenn Phillips ton powers New Zealand to big win over Pakistan (Image Source: X)

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New Zealand kicked off their campaign in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025 with a resounding 78-run victory over the Men in Green at the Gaddafi Stadium. Glenn Phillips was the star of the show, smashing a breathtaking century to propel the visitors to a dazzling victory.

Glenn Phillips’ power-packed century leads New Zealand to massive total

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the visitors posted a formidable 330/6 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a scintillating century from Phillips. The Kiwi innings saw a steady start before Kane Williamson‘s well-crafted 58 off 89 deliveries anchored the middle order. Daryl Mitchell played a crucial role with his aggressive 81 off 84 balls, striking two fours and four sixes.

However, it was Phillips who stole the show with a breathtaking 106 off just 74 balls, hammering six fours and seven maximums to propel New Zealand past the 300-run mark. Michael Bracewell also chipped in with a valuable 31 off 23 balls.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi led the bowling attack with figures of 3/88 in his 10 overs, while Abrar Ahmed impressed with a tight spell of 2/41. Haris Rauf picked up a wicket, but Pakistan’s bowling unit struggled to contain the onslaught, particularly in the latter overs.

Pakistan’s chase falters despite Fakhar Zaman’s fighting knock

Chasing a stiff target of 331, Pakistan’s innings never gained the required momentum as they were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs. Fakhar Zaman was the lone warrior at the top, smashing a fluent 84 off 69 balls, laced with seven fours and four sixes. However, lack of substantial contributions from the middle order derailed Pakistan’s hopes of a successful chase.

Former captain Babar Azam failed to make an impact, scoring only 10 off 23 balls, while current skipper Mohammad Rizwan perished cheaply for 3. Agha Salman (40 off 51) and Tayyab Tahir (30 off 29) attempted to rebuild the innings, but the ever-climbing required run rate proved too much for the hosts. Contributions from the lower order, including Abrar’s quick 23 off 15 balls, were not enough to prevent the inevitable.

New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack ensured that Pakistan never truly threatened their total. Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner were the pick of the bowlers, both claiming three wickets each. Henry finished with figures of 3/53 in 9.5 overs, while Santner was equally effective with 3/41 in his 10-over spell. Michael Bracewell played a key supporting role, picking up 2/41, while Phillips also contributed with the ball, dismissing Khushdil Shah. With a magnificent century and a crucial wicket, Phillips was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match.

Also READ: Pakistan’s best playing XI for the ODI tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand

Here is how Twitter reacted

Also READ: Pakistan ODI tri-series 2025: Broadcast & Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, New Zealand, South Africa, USA & other countries

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AKSHAT GAUR
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