KARACHI: New Zealand delivered a clinical performance to thump Pakistan by five wickets in the tri-nation final at the National Stadium on Friday, reinforcing their status as serious contenders for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Pacer Will O’Rourke, who dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup with four wickets for 43 runs in 9.3 overs, was named Player of the Match.
After a strong bowling display, the Black Caps chased down the 242-run target in 45.2 overs, thanks to a decisive 87-run fourth-wicket partnership between Tom Latham (56) and Daryl Mitchell (57) on a slow, challenging surface.
Pakistan’s Missed Chances Prove Costly
Pakistan showed glimpses of resistance, especially after Kane Williamson (34) and Devon Conway (48) were dismissed within 32 runs of each other, with Salman Ali Agha and Naseem Shah applying pressure.
However, three missed opportunities in the 31st, 32nd, and 35th overs allowed New Zealand to regain control.
- Mohammad Rizwan opted not to review an LBW appeal against Latham, which replays showed would have hit the stumps.
- Shaheen Afridi and Saud Shakeel dropped straightforward catches, further hurting Pakistan’s chances.
The Kiwis, who remained unbeaten throughout the series, capitalized on these mistakes and showcased a complete team performance.
New Zealand’s Run Chase
New Zealand had a wobbly start, losing Will Young (0) in the second over, trapped LBW by Naseem Shah. However, Williamson and Conway stitched together a 71-run partnership, stabilizing the innings.
After their dismissals, Latham and Mitchell took charge, steering the visitors to victory with a measured approach.
Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
- Naseem Shah: 2 wickets (standout bowler)
- Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Salman Ali Agha: 1 wicket each
Pakistan’s Struggles With the Bat
Pakistan, batting first after winning the toss, failed to set a competitive total, managing only 242 runs in 49.3 overs.
- Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Ali Agha (45) were the top scorers.
- Tayyab Tahir (38), Faheem Ashraf (22), and Naseem Shah (19) added late contributions.
The innings never gained momentum, with frequent wickets keeping the run rate in check.
Key Moments of Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
- Fakhar Zaman (10) fell early, chipping Will O’Rourke to Will Young at mid-off.
- Babar Azam (29), who became the joint-fastest player to reach 6000 ODI runs, looked in good touch but was dismissed playing a loose shot to Nathan Smith.
- Saud Shakeel (8) was bowled trying to cut a Michael Bracewell delivery.
- Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha’s 88-run partnership steadied the innings before Rizwan was bowled by O’Rourke in the 32nd over.
- Pakistan lost six wickets for just 81 runs, crumbling under pressure from New Zealand’s spin duo of Santner and Bracewell.
New Zealand’s Bowling Excellence
- Will O’Rourke: 4/43 (9.3 overs)
- Mitchell Santner: 2/20 (10 overs)
- Michael Bracewell: 2 wickets
- Jacob Duffy & Nathan Smith: 1 wicket each
With this emphatic win, New Zealand asserted their dominance in the tri-series, heading into the Champions Trophy as one of the top teams to watch. Meanwhile, Pakistan will need to address their batting frailties and fielding lapses ahead of future challenges.
