Kiwi pacer Southee experiences mixed emotions after ODI defeat to Pak

ABU DHABI - Recalled New Zealand seamer Tim Southee was left with mixed emotions following Tuesday’s loss to Pakistan in the first of three one-day cricket internationals in Abu Dhabi.

The 20-year-old was happy to be back in the limited overs saddle for the Black Caps, but said the end result was less than ideal.

Shahid Afridi hit an aggressive 70 off 50 balls and took two wickets as Pakistan recovered from a shaky start to post an imposing 287 for nine on a slow pitch.

In reply, New Zealand crumpled to be all out for 149 in the 40th over, reports the New Zealand Herald.

Southee picked up 1-54 off his 10 overs in his first one-day outing for the Black Caps in nearly eight months, and managed just a single with bat before becoming the final New Zealand wicket to fall.

“It was a disappointing result, but it started off probably as good as any game,” Southee told NZPA today.

Back in the Black Caps one-day team, Southee is, however, working hard to erase the memory of his blowout against India, which earned the dubious distinction of being the costliest 10-over spell ever delivered by a New Zealand ODI bowler.

Southee has experienced a dizzying series of highs and lows since his first test for New Zealand against England in March last year.

He made an outstanding debut for the Black Caps, slamming an unbeaten 77 off 40 balls in the third Test after earlier picking up 5-55.

Just over six months later, Southee was harassing the Australian top order in the first test in Brisbane. His four for 63 off 18 overs included the wickets of Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich and captain Ricky Ponting.

But his confidence took a knock later in the season when he recorded figures of 0-105 off 10 overs against India in early March in the third one-dayer in Christchurch. (ANI)