Sports Reporter :
New Zealand scored 237 runs for the loss of six wickets in 50 overs against Pakistan in their match at Birmingham in England on Wednesday.
James Neesham, Grandhomme and Kane Williamson played the key role to make a respectable score against their opponents.
New Zealand faced an early disaster as they lost their early four wickets for 46 runs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir helped Pakistan to remove New Zealand’s early wickets.
Opener Martin Cuptill (5) was dismissed by Mohammad Amir when New Zealand’s score was just five. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Colin Munro, the other opener for 12 when the Kiwis total was 24 for the loss of two wickets.
Second-down Ross Taylor (3) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed off Shaheen Shah Afridi when the team’s score was 38 for the loss of three wickets.
Third-down Tom Latham (1) was caught behind by Sarfaraz Ahmed off Shaheen Shah Afridi.
One-down Kane Williamson and James Neesham mended the damage contributing together 37 runs for the fifth wicket partnership before Williamson was caught behind by Sarfaraz Ahmed off Shadab Khan when the Kiwis total was 83 for the loss of five wickets.
Williamson hit a polished 41. His 69-ball innings saw four shots across the ropes.
Later, James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme rescued from debacle contributing together 132 runs for the sixth wicket partnership before Grandhomme was run out by a joint-effort of Mohammad Amir and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed when the Kiwis score was 215 for the loss of six wickets.
Grandhomme notched up a splendid 64. His 71-ball innings was ornamented with six fours and a sixer.
James Neesham remained unbeaten with 97. His 112-ball saw five fours and three sixes.
Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed three wickets instead of 28 runs.
Shadab Khan and Mohammad Amir took one wicket each conceding 43 and 67 runs respectively.
