Trent Boult’s hat-trick in Abu Dhabi made him the third New Zealand player to achieve the feat in a one-day international as the Blackcaps roared to victory against Pakistan.
New Zealand beat their hosts by 47 runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
The pace spearhead rattled Pakistan’s top-order as he dismissed Fakhar Zaman (one), Babar Azam (nought) and Mohammad Hafeez (nought) to reduce Pakistan to 8 for 3 by the end of the third over.
Pakistan recovered somewhat but managed to put just 219 runs on the board, and were bowled out in 47.2 overs.
Boult, who finished with 3-54, missed New Zealand’s 3-0 defeat in the Twenty20 series due to the birth of his child.
“It’s nice to be back out there and get the win for the boys,” said Boult.
“I think the new ball is a key part of the game and we know what early wickets can do to chasing totals.
“The hat-trick ball I was just trying to make him play and to slide one onto the pads is a great feeling.”
New Zealand had put together a modest 266-9, with veteran batsman Ross Taylor leading the charge by scoring 80 runs. Wicket-keeper Tom Latham was the second highest scorer with 68 off 64 balls.
Sarfraz Ahmed (64) and Imad Wasim (50) saved Pakistan’s blushes as they took the score from 85-6 to 188-7, adding 103 runs for the seventh wicket.
Skipper Sarfraz then fell victim to Colin de Grandhomme, dragging a delivery onto his stumps.
Grandhomme (2 for 40) and Lockie Ferguson (3 for 36) sealed it for the Kiwis.
