Pakistan posted a target of 243 runs in the final match of the Tri-Nation Series against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday. Battling early setbacks and consistent pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers, Pakistan managed to score 242 runs in 49.3 overs before being bowled out.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Battle for Stability
Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced trouble early on. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed in the fourth over for 16 runs, caught off Will O’Rourke, leaving Pakistan at 19/1.
A brief partnership between Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel added 30 runs, but both batters fell in quick succession. Shakeel contributed 8 runs off 14 balls, while Babar top-scored in the early stages with 29 runs off 34 balls, including five boundaries and a six. Their departures left Pakistan struggling at 54/3 in 11.5 overs.
Rizwan and Salman Anchor the Innings
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadied the ship with a crucial 88-run partnership. Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 46 runs off 76 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. Salman played a steady hand with 45 runs from 65 balls, hitting one four and one six.
Rizwan’s dismissal in the 32nd over, followed by Salman’s departure five overs later, left Pakistan at 161/5, creating pressure for the lower middle order.
Late Contributions from Tayyab Tahir and the Tail
Tayyab Tahir provided some resistance, scoring a quick 38 runs off 33 balls, including five boundaries and a six. He formed a brief partnership with Khushdil Shah, but both fell in quick succession.
In the final overs, Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah added a valuable 39-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Faheem scored 22 off 21 balls, while Naseem chipped in with 19 runs. However, Pakistan’s innings came to an end on the first ball of the final over, with Will O’Rourke dismissing Faheem.
New Zealand’s Bowling Performance
New Zealand’s bowlers showcased an exceptional performance, with Will O’Rourke leading the attack, claiming 4 wickets for 43 runs in 9.3 overs. Michael Bracewell and skipper Mitchell Santner supported with 2 wickets each, ensuring constant pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke.
