Blackcaps' Henry Nicholls expects Pakistan to bounce back from opening ODI loss

  • 07/01/2018

Blackcaps batsmen Henry Nicholls expects Pakistan to lift their game ahead of the second ODI in Nelson on Tuesday.

The tourists were outplayed in Saturday's opening ODI, which saw them lose by 61 runs on the basis of the DLS method in a rain-affected match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Pakistan were struggling on 166-6 before the rain kicked in, as they attempted to chase down the Blackcaps' record-setting 315-7.

Captain Kane Williamson led the way with the bat, scoring 115 runs, while Tim Southee led the way with the ball, taking three wickets.

Despite the Blackcaps dominating the opening match, Nicholls believes Pakistan will show more fight in the second ODI at Saxton Oval.

"When you have a series, you are expected to raise the bar each game," Nicholls told reporters. "So that is something that we expect them to do but we also expect us to do as well."

During the match, Nicholls collided with Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir. Amir bowled a ball that Nicholls hit to the leg side, and immediately set off for a run. Both were watching the ball and the pair came together in a nasty collision, leaving both on the floor.

"I was thinking we could get two [runs], and then I think at the last split second, I turned to see his shoulder," Nicholls says.

"It reminded me a bit of playing rugby when I was younger - just getting smashed.

"Luckily he was alright and I was fine. It was nice that no one got injured, but if that's not number one on 'Smashed 'em Bro', I don't know what is."

Newshub.