Karachi – New Zealand emerged victorious in the tri-nation series final against Pakistan, securing a five-wicket win at the National Bank Stadium on Friday. A commanding all-round performance, led by Will O’Rourke, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham, ensured a smooth chase of 243 runs with 28 balls to spare.
New Zealand’s Dominant Chase
After O’Rourke’s four-wicket haul restricted Pakistan to 242/9, the Blackcaps had a manageable target ahead of them. However, they faced an early setback, losing Will Young for just 5 runs.
A solid 71-run second-wicket partnership between Kane Williamson (34) and Devon Conway (48) steadied the innings before Salman Ali Agha removed Williamson in the 18th over.
The match-defining moment came when Mitchell (57) and Latham (56) stitched together an 87-run stand, propelling New Zealand towards a comfortable win. Though Latham was dismissed with only 11 runs needed, Glenn Phillips (20)* finished the chase in the 46th over.
Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
Despite a decent effort with the ball, Pakistan couldn’t prevent the Blackcaps from sealing the series title. Naseem Shah claimed two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Salman Ali Agha took one each.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Struggle for Momentum
Opting to bat first, Pakistan endured a shaky start and was eventually restricted to 242 all out in 49.3 overs.
- Early Wickets: Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 16 by Will O’Rourke in the fourth over. Saud Shakeel (8 off 14) and Babar Azam (29 off 34, 5 fours, 1 six) attempted a brief recovery but were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at 54/3 in 11.5 overs.
- Key Partnership: Captain Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 76, 4 fours, 1 six) and Salman Ali Agha (45 off 65, 1 four, 1 six) added a crucial 88-run partnership, stabilizing the innings. However, both fell within five overs, leaving Pakistan at 161/5.
- Late Resistance: Tayyab Tahir (38 off 33, 5 fours, 1 six) offered resistance, forming a brief stand with Khushdil Shah before both departed in quick succession.
- Tail-End Contributions: Faheem Ashraf (22 off 21) and Naseem Shah (19) added 39 valuable runs for the ninth wicket, helping Pakistan reach 242 before being bowled out in the final over.
New Zealand’s Bowling Brilliance
- Will O’Rourke was the star performer, picking up 4 wickets for 43 runs in 9.3 overs.
- Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner played key roles, claiming two wickets each to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Looking Ahead
With this win, New Zealand secured the tri-series title, showcasing a balanced team effort. Their batting depth and bowling discipline proved decisive.
For Pakistan, this loss raises questions about their batting consistency, especially in pressure situations. While bowlers showed glimpses of brilliance, they lacked the ability to restrict the opposition effectively.
Final Thoughts:
- New Zealand displayed composure and depth in both departments.
- Pakistan’s batting remains a concern ahead of upcoming series.
- Will O’Rourke and Daryl Mitchell were standout performers for the Blackcaps.
