Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Khalid Latif each made half-centuries as Pakistan recovered from an early wobble to post 287 for 9 in the first day-night international against New Zealand at Abu Dhabi Stadium on Tuesday. Younus Khan won the toss and opted to bat on a flat surface, but New Zealand's pace attack briefly took control. Pakistan's middle order then rebuilt the innings with a crucial partnership, and Akmal's late hitting provided the finishing flourish.

Pakistan's top order struggles

Shane Bond, back in the New Zealand side, was the architect of Pakistan's early troubles. The fast bowler removed Salman Butt and Younus Khan for ducks in a hostile five-over opening spell. His accuracy and movement put the batsmen under immediate pressure, and Pakistan's innings threatened to unravel.

Mohammad Yousuf was the only top-order batsman to show real fluency. He looked comfortable at the crease and reached 30 before being run out, a sharp piece of fielding ending his innings. At 75 for 4, Pakistan were in deep trouble, with the New Zealand bowlers sensing an opportunity to bowl Pakistan out cheaply.

Afridi and Latif rebuild

Afridi, the vice-captain, then took charge of the recovery. He did not begin with wild aggression; instead, he assessed the conditions and gradually opened his shoulders. Latif, at the other end, was content to anchor the innings. The pair added 101 runs for the fifth wicket, shifting the momentum of the match.

Afridi's half-century came off only 36 balls, with a straight drive off Bond taking him to the milestone. It was his 30th ODI fifty and his first in 33 matches, ending a long drought. His previous fifty had come against Zimbabwe at Multan the previous year. The knock was vintage Afridi, blending clean striking with calculated risk-taking.

He smashed three sixes and four fours in all, with particular brutality reserved for the spinners. He hit Daniel Vettori for a massive six and then collected two more boundaries off successive deliveries from Nathan McCullum. The crowd in Abu Dhabi was treated to a display of power hitting that changed the complexion of the innings.

Latif's contribution was less eye-catching but equally valuable. He took 112 balls to reach 64, an innings built around patient accumulation. He struck only two boundaries during his stay, but his willingness to rotate the strike allowed Afridi to play with freedom. For a batsman with just one previous ODI appearance, and a score of 19 in that match a year earlier, this was a significant statement of intent.

The late charge

Jacob Oram eventually dismissed Afridi in the 39th over, the batsman miscuing a shot and being caught at short fine-leg. The partnership had already repaired most of the damage, and the platform was set for a brutal finish. Vettori bowled Latif two overs later with a vicious arm ball, but Pakistan still had wickets in hand and batsmen capable of accelerating.

Kamran Akmal made full use of the batting powerplay, launching a stunning counter-attack. He put on 86 with Abdul Razzaq in just 37 balls, an extraordinary burst that demoralised the New Zealand bowlers. Akmal remained unbeaten on 67 from 43 deliveries, an innings containing four sixes and five fours. Razzaq chipped in with 26 from 20 balls, ensuring the lower order did not simply wilt under pressure.

Pakistan collected 107 runs in the final ten overs, a decisive phase that lifted them to a highly competitive total. The innings ended at 287 for 9, a score that looked unlikely when Pakistan were 75 for 4. The late surge transformed the match.

Key performances

• Shahid Afridi: 70 off 50 balls, with three sixes and four fours
• Kamran Akmal: 67 not out off 43 balls, with four sixes and five fours
• Khalid Latif: 64 off 112 balls, with two fours
• Mohammad Yousuf: 30
• Abdul Razzaq: 26 off 20 balls
• Shane Bond: two early wickets

What this means for the teams

Afridi's form is crucial for Pakistan, as his all-round ability gives the team balance. He has long been regarded as one of the most destructive limited-overs players in the world, and this innings was a reminder of what he can do when he finds his rhythm. The fact that he was able to pace his innings carefully before exploding is a positive sign for the team management.

Akmal's finishing ability has often been questioned, but on Tuesday he silenced those doubts. His use of the powerplay was exemplary, and his understanding with Razzaq allowed Pakistan to target the death overs with confidence. For a batsman who has had to fight for his place in recent times, this was a timely innings.

Latif, meanwhile, showed that he belongs at this level. His slow scoring rate could be criticised in an era of aggressive batting, but his role in the fifth-wicket partnership was vital. He absorbed pressure, kept the scoreboard moving, and allowed Afridi to attack. It was a mature display from a young batsman eager to make up for lost time.

New Zealand will be concerned by the ease with which Pakistan's lower order scored at the end. Bond's early spell was outstanding, but the support bowling lacked the same edge. Vettori was economical at times, but any loose delivery was punished. Oram's removal of Afridi and Vettori's dismissal of Latif gave the bowlers some reward, but the final ten overs undid much of their good work.

The pitch at Abu Dhabi Stadium offered consistent bounce and little assistance to the seamers once the ball grew older. Spinners had to vary their pace and flight, but the flat nature of the surface made it difficult to defend a moderate total. Pakistan's score of 287/9 set New Zealand a demanding target and placed significant pressure on their top order.

For Pakistan, the challenge now is to back up their batting effort with disciplined bowling. The team will be aware that totals in this region can be chased under lights, especially if dew settles in the evening. Afridi, as vice-captain, will lead the attack with his leg-spin, while the pace bowlers will need to hit the right areas early. The opening match of any series is always important, and Pakistan will want to take the first step toward series success.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to regroup. Bond's performance was an encouraging sign, but the team needs more consistency from the other bowlers if they are to defend totals against a powerful batting lineup. The visitors will also need their batsmen to adapt to the conditions quickly, because chasing a target of almost 300 in a day-night match is never straightforward, particularly when the required rate climbs in the latter stages.

The opening ODI thus set the stage for what promises to be a compelling contest between two sides with contrasting styles. Pakistan relied on explosive hitting and a late surge, while New Zealand showed early control with the ball. The first match belonged to Afridi, Akmal and Latif, but the series remained wide open as the teams prepared for the next encounter.

Source:Cricbuzz News