WELLINGTON: Captain Kane Williamson scored 115 as New Zealand posted 315-7, batting first Saturday in the series-opening limited-overs international against Pakistan.
Williamson, currently the No. 4-ranked batsman in the world in one-day cricket, reached his 10th ODI century from 106 balls to lead New Zealand to a record total as it batted after losing the toss.
Opener Colin Munro also enhanced his reputation as one of the world's leading ODI batsmen, giving the New Zealand innings a sound foundation with is fifth ODI half century. Munro, the top-ranked batsmen in Twenty20 internationals, hit 58 from 35 balls to give the hosts a rapid beginning in conditions in which scoring generally required careful application.
Despite being covered during two days of rain — the reason Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed chose to bowl on winning the toss — the pitch at the Basin Reserve was hard and provided good pace and carry, even a little seam movement. Undeterred by those conditions, Munro reached his 50 off just 33 balls with five fours and two sixes.
He went to his half century with a six from the bowling of Hasan Ali and added one more boundary before he was out to end an 83-run opening partnership with Martin Guptill (48).
Williamson then added 73 with Guptill for the second wicket and 90 with Henry Nicholls for the fifth before finally falling in the 48th over. Nicholls again played a strong hand near the end, hitting 50 from 53 balls.
New Zealand's total was its highest in an ODI at the Basin Reserve but misrepresented what was generally a tight Pakistan bowling performance.
Pakistan, winners of the Champions Trophy, is unbeaten in its last nine ODIs and it fielded its strongest attack.
The Pakistan seamers, who found a little assistance from the pitch, used shorter balls and slower deliveries to try and limit the scoring options of the New Zealand batsmen.
Munro was the only batsman who was able to launch an all-out attack on the bowlers and Williamson notably achieved his century by quiet accumulation. His innings contained only eight fours and one six and, in total, New Zealand hit only 25 fours and five sixes.
Hasan Ali, ranked the best bowler in the world in ODIs, was again Pakistan's best on Saturday, taking 3-61.