Batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips' blitzkrieg knock powered New Zealand to clinch a 78-run victory over Pakistan in the first match of the ODI Tri-Series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. With the dominant victory, the Kiwis took a lead in the ODI Tri-Series standings and secured the top spot with two points with a net run rate of +1.560. New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat against Pakistan on Saturday. Skipper Mitchell Santner's decision went in favour of the Kiwis as they put up a solid score on the board in the first inning. 

New Zealand openers Will Young (4 runs from 4 balls, 1 four) and Rachin Ravindra (25 runs from 19 balls, 5 fours) failed to shine in the game, however, that didn't affect New Zealand because the top performance from the middle order batters. Kane Williamson (58 runs from 89 balls, 7 fours) and Daryl Mitchell (81 runs from 84 balls, 2 fours and 4 sixes) played a crucial part in the game. The 95-run partnership from Williamson and Mitchell helped the Kiwis to get back into the game after the dismissals of their openers.