New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st ODI - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Umar Akmal started on a positive note but his innings was terminated after playing all over a slower ball from Grant Elliott. Pakistan were in danger of yet another below par batting performance as they slumped to 113/5 in the 32nd over. Misbah was solid at the other end, with 43 to his name.

Having earned a well deserved rest, Pakistan will round off their preparations for the upcoming 2015 WC with a short 2-match ODI series against co-hosts, New Zealand. Misbah's men did decently well in their home series against Australia and New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They have some worries on the injury front, with Junaid Khan still struggling to recover completely from his hamstring injury. The Pakistan camp has reported a few more niggles, but the team management is hopeful about things sorting before the tournament opener against India on February 15.

On the other hand, New Zealand are riding on a crest of good form and have placed themselves as one of the contenders for the tag of World Champions, come March 29th. They come into the series on the back of an impressive 4-2 series win over Sri Lanka. The batting has been razor sharp, the bowling has been disciplined while they have historically been one of the better fielding units.

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New Zealand won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bat first. Brendon McCullum returned after being rested for the final match against Sri Lanka. He replaced Kane Williamson, who was rested. Trent Boult returned as well, replacing his new ball partner, Tim Southee. Adam Milne returned as well, replacing Mitchell McClenaghan.

Pakistan opted to play just four bowlers, with Haris Sohail expected to bowl his complete quota of 10 overs. Bilwal Bhatti, who was a late inclusion in the place of Junaid Khan, found himself in the playing XI

Playing XI:

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum(c), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi(w), Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Trent Boult, Adam Milne.

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq(c), Umar Akmal, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed(w), Shahid Afridi, Bilawal Bhatti, Ehsan Adil, Mohammad Irfan

Ahmed Shehzad started slowly, but then looked to get into his groove, creaming Boult for a couple of delightful boundaries. He didn't stay long though, nicking the bowler to a gleeful Luke Ronchi. The right-hander made 15 and the visitors were reduced to 29/2. Their trouble didn't end there, Younis, who had a lucky reprieve on 5 , failed to cash in. he played across the line to an inswinger from Mills, missed and was struck bang in front of middle and leg. The umpire had no hesitation in giving him the marching orders. Younis decided to review, only for replays to suggest that umpire was right in his initial call. Younis trudged off and Pakistan were reduced to 32/3.

Younis Khan started scratchily and enjoyed a big slice of luck when he reached 5. Taking on Mills, he cut a short and wide ball straight to third man. The umpire checked for the front foot no-ball and replays suggested that Mills had just overstepped, by a small margin. Younis was to live to fight another day.

New Zealand got off to a dream start. Kyle Mills, opening the bowling, went through the defences of Mohammad Hafeez with one that straightened after pitching. The batsman played down the wrong line and ended up looking disconsolate as the ball sneaked through.

Anderson struck in his first over to nip a promising stand between Misbah and Sohail. The latter was brilliantly caught by Martin Guptill at backward point and departed for 23. Pakistan were reduced to 81/4 in the 24th over. Misbah was batting on 27.

Skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq was his usual self. A string of dot balls followed by a blistering boundary or two. On the other hand, Haris Sohail, started in a positive manner as the visitors recovered from the shaky start. Kyle Mills completed his 10-over spell on a trot and finished with impressive figures of 2/29.