'Thunder Boult' strikes hat-trick, downs Pakistan

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New Zealand speedster Trent Boult made a sensational comeback to his side with a stunning hat-trick against Pakistan in the first match of the one-day series in the United Arab Emirates. Boult, who returned after paternity leave, ripped through the much-vaunted Pakistan batting to help his side make a winning start to the ODI series in Abu Dhabi.

The win came as a reprieve for the Black Caps after they suffered a 3-0 debacle in the recently concluded T20 series against the hosts. Boult's heroics bolstered the visitors as they notched up a 47-run win after they made 266 for nine.

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor top-scored with 80 while wicketkeeper Tom Latham made a stroke-filled 68 off 64 balls after the Kiwis elected to bat first at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

New Zealand's Trent Boult bowls during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and England at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand, February 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

Then, a marauding Boult reduced Pakistan to eight for three in their chase of 267 after he dismissed Fakhar Zaman (one), Babar Azam (zero) and Mohammad Hafeez (zero) in the third over to accomplish his hat-trick.

With the momentum by their side, the touring team reduced Pakistan to 85-6 before Sarfraz Ahmed (64) and Imad Wasim (50) added 103 for the seventh wicket. However, the New Zealanders struck again and thanks to Boult's match figures of three for 54, Pakistan were bundled out for 219 in 47.2 overs.

“It's nice to be back out there and get the win for the boys,” said an elated Boult, who missed the disastrous Twenty20 series due to the birth of his child.

The bowling spearhead, who became the third bowler from his country to clinch the magical accomplishment after Danny Morrison and Shane Bond in ODI history, mentioned, “The hat-trick ball I was just trying to make him play and to slide one onto the pads is a great feeling.”

The victory gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and extended their ODI winning streak against Pakistan to 12 matches dating back to December 2014. The remaining matches are in Abu Dhabi on Friday and in Dubai on Sunday.

(With agency input)