Karachi (Web Desk): New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win the final match of the Tri-Nation series in Karachi on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 243, the Blackcaps comfortably reached the target in 45.4 overs, with 28 balls to spare. Will O’Rourke played a pivotal role, claiming four wickets for 43 runs, while Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham each made valuable half-centuries to steer their side home.
Pakistan’s innings began shakily as Fakhar Zaman was dismissed cheaply early on. Despite a brief recovery through Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s middle order struggled.
Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for the hosts with a measured 46 runs, and Salman Ali Agha added 45, but Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs, with quick wickets derailing their progress. Tayyab Tahir’s 38 and contributions from Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah provided some late resistance, but it wasn’t enough to set a competitive total.
New Zealand’s chase was far from smooth as they lost Will Young early on, but Kane Williamson anchored the innings with a solid 34 before being dismissed.
Devon Conway and Mitchell steadied the ship, with Conway’s 48 followed by Mitchell’s half-century. Latham’s steady hand guided them closer to the target, and Phillips wrapped up the win with an unbeaten 20.
Despite strong bowling from Pakistan’s Naseem Shah, who picked up two wickets, and contributions from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha, New Zealand’s chase was clinical, leaving Pakistan with little chance of defending their total.
Teams
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy
