The first ODI match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium included a fantastic performance from Naseem Shah.
After the first six ODIs, Naseem holds the record for the most wickets. He has taken 20 wickets in his first six ODIs, breaking Matt Henry’s previous record of 19 wickets.
Despite the batting-friendly surface, which made it hard for most bowlers to contain the New Zealand batsmen, Naseem was able to restrict the scoring to just 29 runs in his 10 overs while also taking two important wickets.
As Naseem bowled with pace and accuracy, his control and accuracy were effectively on display, making it difficult for the New Zealand batsmen to score runs easily. He kept his length and line tight throughout his entire spell, keeping the batters in suspense and forcing them to take chances.
The pitch’s ability to produce movement was one of Naseem’s spell’s highlights. The ball flew both ways off his magnificent seam delivery, which was too good for the New Zealand batsmen to handle. He also bowled a mixture of short and full deliveries, changing his pace and length, which made it tough for the batsmen to settle down.
Despite bowling brilliantly in his first spell, Naseem failed to pick up a wicket. But in the last over, when he struck Rachin Ravindra with his second to last delivery of the stint, he was rewarded. On the final ball of New Zealand’s innings, Naseem clean bowled Adam Milne for his second wicket, which was similar amazing.
Given that most of the other bowlers had difficulty on the field, Naseem’s performance was all the more remarkable. With the exception of Agha Salman (2 overs), he was the only bowler to allow fewer than 30 runs throughout the game, and his economy rate of 2.90 was the best of all bowlers.
His play was vital for holding New Zealand, who had been on pace to score more than 300 runs at one stage, to 288-7.
