RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s young speedster Naseem Shah’s brilliant spell against New Zealand in the first PAK vs NZ ODI here on Thursday, propelled him to a unique ODI world record.
Naseem Shah proved his mettle by bowling an astonishing spell in the first PAK vs NZ ODI against New Zealand; taking two wickets for just 29 runs in his ten-over spell and toppling Matt Henry’s long-standing record of taking 19 wickets in the first six matches.
On target ⚡@iNaseemShah was accurate in his impressive spell upfront 💫#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/SxhMhtQAZM
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 27, 2023
The 19-year-old set a new record by taking 20 wickets in the first six ODIs of his career. He also holds the record for most wickets in the first four and five ODIs by leaving behind Imran Tahir, Ryan Harris, Zahoor Khan and Ibadat Hussain.
The record-breaking performance by Naseem earned him high praise from cricket fans and experts around the world. His’s phenomenal bowling performance restricted New Zealand to 288 runs despite Daryl Mitchell’s century.
Mitchell put on a scintillating show with the bat as he fought hard for his second ODI century. He top-scored for New Zealand with his career-best 113 in 115 balls, laced up with 11 boundaries and a six.
After Naseem’s brilliance, it was Fakhar Zaman’s show, who scored his second-consecutive century against New Zealand and powered the home side to a resounding five-wicket victory over the touring side.
The left-handed batter topped the scoring chart for Pakistan with a monumental 117-run knock in just 113 deliveries which featured 13 boundaries and a six.
His opening partner Imam-ul-Haq also played a pivotal role in his team’s triumph with his calculated 60-run knock and laid a solid foundation by stitching a magnificent 124-run partnership with Fakhar.
READ: Fakhar trumps Mitchell’s ton as Pakistan down New Zealand