New Zealand Outclass Pakistan to Win Tri-Nation Series: New Zealand secured a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final of the tri-nation ODI series, chasing down a target of 243 with 28 balls to spare at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday. The win was anchored by composed half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, who steered the Black Caps to a comfortable triumph.
New Zealand’s Chase: Mitchell and Latham Shine
After being set a modest target of 243, New Zealand’s chase got off to a shaky start when Naseem Shah struck early, dismissing Will Young in the second over. However, Kane Williamson (34 off 49 balls) and Devon Conway (48 off 74 balls) steadied the innings with a solid 71-run partnership for the second wicket. Once Williamson fell, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham took charge, putting together a crucial 87-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Mitchell, who came in at 76-2, played a fluent knock of 57 off 58 balls, including six boundaries, while Latham contributed a composed 56 off 64 deliveries, hitting five fours. Latham later partnered with Glenn Phillips (20 not out off 17 balls) to add 37 runs for the fifth wicket, ensuring New Zealand crossed the finish line in 45.2 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers tried to keep the pressure on, with Naseem Shah finishing as the pick of the attack with two wickets. Salman Ali Agha, Abrar Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent New Zealand from sealing the win.
Pakistan’s Innings: Middle Order Fails to Capitalize
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum throughout their innings. Opener Fakhar Zaman fell early to Will O’Rourke, and the hosts found themselves in trouble at 54-3 inside 12 overs. Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 76 balls) and Salman Ali Agha (45 off 65 balls) attempted to rebuild with an 88-run partnership, but their progress was slow, consuming 120 deliveries.
Rizwan’s dismissal in the 32nd over, followed by Salman’s departure in the 37th, left Pakistan at 161-5. Tayyab Tahir provided a brief spark with a brisk 38 off 33 balls, including four boundaries and a six, but his dismissal in the 42nd over halted Pakistan’s hopes of a late surge. The lower order added 47 runs, with Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem Shah (19) contributing useful runs, but Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs.
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Will O’Rourke was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming four wickets for 43 runs in 9.3 overs. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell supported him well, picking up two wickets apiece.
The two teams will now shift their focus to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they are set to face each other again in the opening match on February 19 at the same venue. New Zealand will take confidence from this victory, while Pakistan will look to regroup and address their batting frailties ahead of the marquee event.
This win marks a significant achievement for New Zealand, who showcased their depth and resilience in both batting and bowling departments, underlining their status as one of the most consistent sides in world cricket.
