New Zealand clinched the tri-series title in Karachi, defeating Pakistan by five wickets despite missing key bowlers like Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Matt Henry, and Rachin Ravindra. Will O’Rourke led the bowling attack with a brilliant four-wicket haul, while Mitchell Santner’s economical spell of 2 for 20 in ten overs restricted Pakistan to 242.
In reply, New Zealand chased down the target with 28 balls to spare. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson set a solid platform with a 71-run stand, but it was Daryl Mitchell’s 57 and Tom Latham’s 56 that ensured victory. Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips finished the chase comfortably.
Latham, after a string of low scores, returned to form despite being dropped twice during his innings. Pakistan’s spinners, especially Abrar Ahmed, struggled, with Abrar conceding 67 runs in his ten overs. In contrast, Santner dominated, delivering 40 dot balls.
Pakistan’s innings never gained momentum, managing 48 runs in the powerplay but losing two wickets. Babar Azam became the joint-fastest to 6000 ODI runs but fell soon after for 29. Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45) stitched an 88-run partnership, but O’Rourke’s incisive bowling ended Rizwan’s stay. Tayyab Tahir’s quick 38 off 33 balls was the only aggressive knock in Pakistan’s top order.
New Zealand’s bowlers kept Pakistan in check during the final overs, allowing just four boundaries in the last eight overs. Pakistan’s seamers, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, found swing early, but Conway and Williamson weathered the storm. Mitchell’s aggressive stroke play dismantled Pakistan’s spin attack, securing New Zealand’s win. The Kiwis will be further boosted by the possible return of Ravindra and Ferguson for the upcoming Champions Trophy opener.
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