8th December, Dubai: Pakistan beat New Zealand in the first ODI by 3 wickets.. Pakistan were down for the count at 124/6 at one point but Sohail played a brilliant knock along with Afridi who played his most sensible innings in ages as the partnership ensured that Pakistan came back into the game with a bang. Afridi's dismissal raised some jitters in the dressing room but Riaz struck a few blows to ensure that the pressure was released as Sohail fittingly ended it in style.
Quotes
Misbah - 'It was a very tough game but happy to win in the end. Wonderful performance from Sohail and Afridi with the way they handled themselves. We are looking to try different things before the World Cup as this is the last chance before the big tournament. Shahid Afridi played just according to the situation which is what we expect him to do.'
Sohail - 'I would like to thank God for everything as well as the wishes of my parents. Seniors gave me a lot of confidence both in batting as well as my bowling which helped in the performance. I was looking to play a long innings and it came off. Batting in the middle order is tough but I am enjoying it.'
Williamson - 'I think Ross played a superb knock and that we had a reasonable total on the board. We were in a very good position but it is a shame that we couldn't drive home the advantage. Credit to the Pakistan middle and lower order for holding their nerve. We know that it takes a different strategy in this part of the world and we are getting used to it. Pakistan played really well today. We do have an eye towards the World Cup and the idea is to settle in as a team by that time.'
CRICKETNMORE