New Zealand secured a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the tri-nations series final on Friday. An outstanding bowling performance by Will O’Rourke and crucial half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham sealed the win.
O’Rourke delivered a sensational spell, claiming 4-43. Pakistan were bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. Mitchell then anchored the chase with a 57 off 58 balls. The Black Caps reached 243-5 in 45.2 overs.
This victory provides a significant morale boost for New Zealand ahead of the Champions Trophy opener. They will face Pakistan at the same venue on Wednesday.
New Zealand Chase: Steady and Strong
Chasing 243, New Zealand faced an early setback. Naseem Shah dismissed opener Will Young for five in the first over. However, Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) steadied the innings with a crucial 71-run partnership.
Williamson fell while attempting an aggressive charge against spinner Salman Agha. Soon after, Conway was removed by Naseem during his second spell. With New Zealand at 108-3, the chase briefly wobbled. However, Mitchell and Latham (56) added 87 for the fourth wicket, regaining control.
Mitchell was eventually dismissed by Abrar Ahmed. New Zealand needed just 48 more runs. Latham and Glenn Phillips (20*) made light work of the remaining target. They sealed the win with ease.
Mitchell’s knock featured six boundaries. Latham’s 64-ball innings included five fours. Naseem was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, finishing with 2-43 in eight overs.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Earlier, spinners Mitchell Santner (2-20) and Michael Bracewell (2-38) complemented O’Rourke’s fiery spell. They restricted Pakistan from posting a formidable total.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 46 off 76 balls. Salman Agha contributed 45 off 65. The slow, variable bounce of the National Bank Stadium pitch made batting difficult.
Pakistan suffered early setbacks. Fakhar Zaman (10) and Saud Shakeel (8) fell cheaply to O’Rourke. Babar Azam showed promise with a fluent 29. He reached 6,000 ODI runs in his 123rd innings—joint-fastest alongside Hashim Amla. However, his innings ended with a miscued shot off Nathan Smith. Pakistan struggled at 54-3.
Rizwan and Agha attempted a recovery with an 88-run stand. However, their quick dismissals ended any hopes of a competitive total. Tayyab Tahir provided some late resistance with a brisk 38 off 33 balls. He struck four boundaries and a six. Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem (19) added a valuable 39-run partnership. Their contributions pushed Pakistan past 240.
With this dominant win, New Zealand take home the tri-nations title. They gain crucial momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy.
