WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – Grant Elliott scored 64 not out and took three for 26 in an all-round performance which led New Zealand to a seven-wicket win over Pakistan with ten overs to spare in Saturday’s first of two One-Day cricket matches.
Ross Taylor made 59 and Martin Guptill 39 as New Zealand reached 213 for three in the 40th over in reply to Pakistan’s 210, cruising to a victory which further heightens expectations of a strong showing by the co-hosts in the upcoming World Cup.
Guptill struggled in the just-completed seven-match series against Sri Lanka, making three ducks, but made a welcome return to form, as did Taylor, who had averaged a mediocre 28 in that series.
Shahidi Afridi scored 67 off 29 balls and captain Misbah-ul-Haq made 58 in an otherwise poor batting performance by Pakistan.
Elliott’s performance again underscored the quality of New Zealand’s all-rounders which may be a significant asset when the World Cup begins.
He was a contentious inclusion in the 15-man World Cup squad but has more than vindicated his selection with 194 runs against Sri Lanka, including a century in the third ODI.
The teams meet in the second international at Napier on Tuesday.
Summarised scores:
Pakistan: 210 in 45.3 overs (Shahid Afridi 67, Misbah-ul-Haq 58; Grant Elliott 3-26, Trent Boult 2-25, Kyle Mills 2-29, Corey Anderson 2-47). New Zealand: 213-3 in 39.3 overs (Grant Elliott 64 not out, Ross Taylor 59 not out, Martin Guptill 39; Shahid Afridi 1-39). New Zealand won by seven wickets.