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New Zealand Clinch Tri-Series Title with Dominant Win Over Pakistan
New Zealand continued their impressive form with a clinical five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final of the Tri-Series in Karachi. Led by an outstanding bowling effort from Will O’Rourke (4/43), Mitchell Santner (2/20), and Michael Bracewell (2/38), the Black Caps restricted Pakistan to 242 before successfully chasing down the target with 28 balls to spare. Daryl Mitchell (57) and Tom Latham (56) anchored the run chase to guide New Zealand to the trophy.
New Zealand’s Bowlers Set the Tone for Victory
O’Rourke Strikes Early, Pakistan Struggles for Momentum
Pakistan’s decision to bat first on a two-paced Karachi pitch raised eyebrows, especially given the chasing-friendly conditions at the venue. New Zealand’s bowlers quickly made an impact, with Will O’Rourke dismissing Fakhar Zaman early. Fakhar, who has been inconsistent in recent matches, fell to a tame shot, chipping one to mid-wicket.
Babar Azam, despite looking in good touch, failed to convert his start once again. His innings, however, included a historic milestone—he became the joint-fastest batter to reach 6000 ODI runs, equaling Hashim Amla’s record. But his dismissal to Nathan Smith on a return catch dented Pakistan’s progress.
Rizwan and Salman Agha Attempt to Rebuild
Pakistan’s middle order, led by Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha, aimed to stabilize the innings. However, they found stroke-making difficult on the sluggish track. Rizwan, in particular, struggled to find fluency, and just after launching O’Rourke for a six, he inside-edged one onto the stumps, giving New Zealand a crucial breakthrough.
Salman Agha soon followed, falling to Bracewell as he attempted an aggressive shot. With both set batters gone, Pakistan’s lower order tried to add some valuable runs in the death overs. Cameos from Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah helped Pakistan reach 242 in 49.3 overs.
New Zealand’s Chase: Latham and Mitchell Shine
Naseem Shah Strikes, But New Zealand Hold Firm
With early movement on offer, Pakistan’s pace attack looked threatening. Naseem Shah provided the first breakthrough, trapping Will Young LBW with a sharp in-swinger. Kane Williamson (34) and Devon Conway (48) then built a steady 71-run partnership to regain control.
While Williamson played fluently, Conway found it difficult to get going. The left-hander eventually fell to a well-directed bouncer from Naseem, edging a catch behind. Williamson also perished earlier, bowled by Salman Agha, leaving New Zealand at 108/3, with the match still in the balance.
Mitchell and Latham’s Game-Winning Stand
With the game finely poised, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham stitched together an 87-run stand, effectively sealing the victory for the Black Caps. Latham had some luck, surviving dropped catches and a run-out chance, but made the most of his opportunities.
Both batters departed before the finish line, but Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips completed the chase comfortably in 45.2 overs, ensuring New Zealand lifted the Tri-Series title.
Match Summary
Pakistan: 242 in 49.3 overs
(Mohammad Rizwan 46; Will O’Rourke 4/43, Mitchell Santner 2/20, Michael Bracewell 2/38)
New Zealand: 243/5 in 45.2 overs
(Daryl Mitchell 57, Tom Latham 56; Naseem Shah 2/43)
Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets
🏆 New Zealand win the Tri-Series title
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