Watch: Agha Salman pulls of spectacular diving catch to dismiss Finn Allen in Pak vs NZ 1st ODI

Published on January 9, 2023

Following their Test series, Pakistan and New Zealand are currently playing a three-match ODI series. Both teams are aiming for victory in the ongoing first ODI at National Stadium, Karachi after neither side managed a victory in the two-match Test series that was played prior to the ODIs. On Monday, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam chose to bowl first after winning the toss.

When New Zealand batted first, they lost opener Devon Conway in the first over before Finn Allen and Kane Williamson managed to make a modest comeback. When it appeared like the Blackcaps’ ship had stabilized, Agha Salman’s outstanding catch placed Pakistan back in command.

Finn Allen hit a short ball in the air toward cover, where Agha Salman was positioned, on the third delivery of the eight over of the Pakistan speedster Mohammad Wasim Jr. The fielder took a spectacular catch after perfectly diving to his right and ending Allen’s innings early when he left after 29 balls.

Watch it here:

Splendid catch by @SalmanAliAgha1! ✨@Wasim_Jnr strikes in his first over with an important wicket ⚡#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/vFrjSbktFt
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 9, 2023

Pakistan’s scenario for the 2023 ODI World Cup qualifications

Notable players include Pakistan’s Usama Mir, a leg-spinner, and right-arm seamer Henry Shipley, who is playing in his first international match for New Zealand. The following two One-Day Internationals between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place on January 11 and 13 respectively.

The most recent match between these two teams came in the 2019 50-over World Cup, which Pakistan won decisively by six wickets thanks in large part to Babar Azam’s outstanding undefeated century. Their previous bilateral series, which took place in the UAE in 2018, concluded with a tie after the final game was postponed.

Pakistan would go up to the top of the standings with 114 rating points if they defeat New Zealand 3-0 during the three-match series. With 107 rating points, The Men in Green are presently in fifth position. New Zealand is now in first place with 116 rating points. It will be Pakistan‘s fourth straight series victory if they defeat New Zealand in the one-day internationals. Pakistan has won their last three ODI series against the Netherlands, West Indies, and Australia.

Squads:-

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson(c), Tom Latham(w), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf