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Chandigarh, India, A timely pep talk from skipper Stephen Fleming worked wonders for Nathan Astle be- fore he produced one of the most compelling all-round performances of all time in the one-day cricket international against Pakistan at Mo- hali on Saturday.

Fleming must have touched a raw nerve because Astle be- strode the opening match of the Independence Cup quadrangular series, showing the control of old to belt a superb 117 from 132 balls before re- turning with the ball to undermine Pakistan's pursuit of New Zealand's 285 for seven.

Astle's military medium pace collected him a career-best re- turn of four for 43 and helped peg Pakistan to 263 for nine on a prince of a batting strip in the night match at PCA Stadium.

But it was in his primary role as a dominating opening bats- man that Astle blossomed, sharing a record opening stand of 155 in just 145 balls with Bryan Young, whose 59 was equally as- sertive against a Pakistani side weakened by the absence of several front-line players.

It was Astle's fourth century in one-day internationals, his third on Indian soil, but his first for 14 months. Astle went into the game knowing his own lack of control had been the blame for the long wait between match-winning innings.

It was something that captain Fleming reminded him about when the captain and coach Steve Rixon held two-on-one conferences with all the players at their Chandigarh hotel.

``I reminded him how good he had been last season and the year be- fore that when he lasted the first 15 overs playing attackingly before going into collect mode,'' Fleming said. ``He did that today and he did it superbly. He was just sensational.

``There was no slogging, just very good hitting. He was cool, calm, and collected and played very good cricket shots. That is when Nathan is at his best,'' Fleming said.

He made an uncontrolled heave at a harmlessly wide delivery de- livery from inexperienced seamer Abdul Razzaq early in his in- nings, but immediately chastised himself.

Afridi on fire

While New Zealand's ultimate winning margin of 22 runs looked comfortable enough, it was never safely home until Pakistan lost Inzamam-ul-Haq for 30 in the 45th over to slip to 232 for six.

It made an honest effort at a difficult target, thanks to pinch-hitting slugger Shahid Afridi, who belted 59 from 46 balls.

Afridi, who holds the record for the fastest century in the international one-day arena, savaged the Kiwi new-ball attack, tak- ing a particular liking to Central Districts swing bowler An- drew Penn, who was almost hit senseless as his six overs went for 50 runs.

Fleming called Astle into the attack in the 34th over and he continued the excellent work of Canterbury's Chris Harris, who bowled expertly to give up just 34 runs in his 10-over spell.

Astle showed that the golden touch had not deserted him as he had Ijaz leg before wicket, tempted Malik to slash behind point where the predatory Harris was stationed, had Moin Khan sharply snapped up by Fleming at short cover, and removed Razzaq thanks to a fine stumping by wicketkeeper Adam Parore.