Shahid Afridi applauds Pakistan performance in first ODI

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s interim chief selector Shahid Afridi applauded the performance of men’s national team in the first one-day international against New Zealand on Monday. 

“Congratulations to Babar and the entire team for an outstanding effort,” Afridi tweeted after the game ended. 

Pakistan defeated the visiting side by six wickets to lead the three-match series 1-0 at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi. 

Congratulations to Babar and the entire team for an outstanding effort. performance! Today we were well led and outplayed NZ in all departments. Great day for Babar, Naseem, Usama, Haris and Rizwan. Fakhar also gave a good start. Hope we continue the same way in 2nd ODI. #PAKvNZ

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) January 9, 2023

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The former all-arounder was all praises for Babar and his captaincy. “Today we were well led and outplayed NZ in all departments,” Afridi added. “Great day for Babar (Azam), Naseem (Shah), Usama (Mir), Haris (Sohail) and (Mohammad) Rizwan. Fakhar (Zaman) also gave a good start. Hope we continue the same way in 2nd ODI.” 

Naseem was awarded Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul. Rizwan was the highest scorer with an unbeaten 77 while both Babar and Fakhar scored half centuries. 

Pakistan will play the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday at the same venue.