5 Nov 2009

Black Caps well beaten first up in Abu Dhabi

6:46 am on 5 November 2009

The New Zealand cricketers have crashed to their second biggest loss to Pakistan in the opening match of their 3-game one day series in Abu Dhabi.

Chasing 288, the Black Caps were dismissed for 149 in the 40th over to lose by 138 runs.

Only three batsmen reached double figures led by Aaron Redmond with 52, Daniel Vettori 38, batting at number 6 and the other opener Brendon McCullum made 21.

Pakistan recovered from an early onslaught by Shane Bond who took two wickets before they'd scored a run. But Daniel Vettori took the bowling honours with two wickets for 34 from his 10 overs.

The next game Friday night.