New Zealand reached 54/2 after 12.5 overs in the opening match of the tri-series against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. Kane Williamson remained unbeaten on 22, with Daryl Mitchell at the crease on 1.

Shaheen Shah Afridi made an early breakthrough, dismissing Will Young for 4 in the first over. Abrar Ahmed then claimed the wicket of Rachin Ravindra for 25 in the eighth over.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan stated that, had his side won the toss, they would have also chosen to bat first. He emphasised the significance of the tri-series as crucial preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, underlining its importance in shaping the team's strategies for future challenges.

Rizwan also confirmed that Babar Azam would open the batting alongside Fakhar Zaman, with the duo expected to set the tone for Pakistan’s innings. The squad includes three frontline pacers: Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.

Both Pakistan and New Zealand are using this series as part of their build-up to the Champions Trophy, where they will also face each other in the tournament’s opening match in Karachi. Meanwhile, this game marks the first at the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.