New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st ODI at Wellington, , Jan 06 2018 - Match Result

Alright then, that brings us to the end of the series opener in Wellington. The teams now head to Nelson, where again the forecast indicates a threat of rain. But whatever the conditions, Pakistan will have to turn up as a lot more competitive side to make this series interesting. Their batsmen need to show better application and use better discretion in shot selection. But that's for another day. For today, this is all we have. If your appetite for cricket for today isn't satisfied yet, switch tabs to the Ashes, where Australia are on their way to a big first-innings lead. Goodbye from here!

"It was really important to start well in the series, says Kane Williamson, New Zealand captain and Man of the Match. "We played a lot against West Indies, but it's a different competition against this Pakistan side. I thought 300-plus was above par on this wicket, and then the fight shown by the bowlers was good. They have different qualities and it is important to identify that and adapt. A good New Zealand surface, one we're very familiar with, but then they're a strong Pakistan side. So we know we're up for a tough series."

"Tough conditions for us. New Zealand's batsmen batted well, especially Kane Williamson," says Sarfraz Ahmed. "If you drop catches, it becomes tough. Hopefully we will sit together and come up with a better performance next time."

6.42pm Right then, a wait of just over an hour ends with the match called off. New Zealand win by 61 runs via the DLS method. The forecast is pretty bad right now and the rain hasn't shown signs of relenting. So that's that then. Fakhar Zaman is left stranded on 82. But his knock apart, Pakistan had precious little to be happy about. This performance spells out ominous signs for them going ahead in this series and they really need to address some serious concerns.

Here's an interesting nugget courtesy Mazher Arshad on Twitter: "For the first time in history, Pakistan have played 7 consecutive ODIs without bowling a no-ball. Their previous longest streak was 6 ODIs in 1989."

ADnan AShfaq KH: "Because Wahab Riaz is out of the team :D Here's an interesting nugget courtesy Mazher Arshad on Twitter: "For the first time in history, Pakistan have played 7 consecutive ODIs without bowling a no-ball. Their previous longest streak was 6 ODIs in 1989." "

Speaking of no-balls, Mason Crane, the debutant England pacer was denied a wicket because of one in the fifth Ashes Test today. Here's a look at other such instances and what happened after them.

Hamza: "Till what time can the match go till?" Hearing that an announcement may be imminent.

While we wait for the rain to subside, let's look back at the year that was in world cricket. 2017 gave us several indelible moments, but which one stood out to you? Amir v Kohli, Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph, Shannon Gabriel's infamous slog? Have a say? Vote for your favourite moment here.

6.10pm Bigger covers on now, according to the NZC Twitter feed, so it seems we're in for a longer wait. Remember, though, that the sun sets pretty late in this part of the world.

Macca: "When Pakistan were 4 down as a Kiwi I thought "oh no another Windies tour" but I have liked what I have seen of the fight back and hope the rain clears to see some more. "

Obaid: "Weather suggest that there will be rain for another 1 hour & 45 minutes in wellington, HOPE I JINX on it :D"

5.55pm The latest from NZC's Twitter feed: "Off and on. The covers came off and play was due back at 6 but then the rain returned."

5.35pm The rain has again gotten heavier. And the covers come on. Pouring now even as the covers are being hastened on.

Southee comes back on. Lots of ball-wiping going in with the rain in the air.

DLS par score right now is 227, so Pakistan well behind.

Mateen: "What pace is ferguson bowling at ?" Averaging around the high-140s to 150kmph