Abu Dhabi: Shahid Afridi shone with bat and ball to steer Pakistan to an emphatic 138-run victory against New Zealand in the first One-day International in Abu Dhabi for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan recovered from an awful start to pile up 287 for nine in their stipulated fifty overs.
At one stage Pakistan were in trouble at 75/4, But Latif (64) and Afridi added 101 for the fifth wicket and resurrected the Pak innings.
Later, Kamran Akmal chipped in with an unbeaten 67, including four sixes, to lead Pakistan to an imposing total.
In reply, New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 149 in 39.2 overs. The only resistance came from Aaron Redmond (52) and Daniel Vettori (38). New Zealand lost their last five wickets for just 10 runs within five overs.
The second game in the three-match series is also in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
The three-match ODI series was relocated to Abu Dhabi after New Zealand refused to tour Pakistan over security fears.
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