New Zealand secured the Tri-Nation Series title with a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan at the National Bank Stadium on Friday. A combination of clinical bowling and composed batting, coupled with Pakistan’s fielding blunders, ensured the Black Caps’ triumph as they chased down 243 with ease.
Naseem’s Fireworks Spark Hope
The match saw moments of brilliance from Pakistan, particularly from fast bowler Naseem Shah. His return spell, which dismissed Devon Conway for a well-made 48 off 74 balls, electrified the crowd. Positioned at mid-off, Babar Azam gestured for more support as Pakistan tried to turn the tide.
At that point, New Zealand required 130 runs from 25 overs with seven wickets in hand. However, Pakistan’s hopes were soon dashed by a series of costly mistakes—two dropped catches and a missed review—that allowed New Zealand to regain control.
Pakistan Let Opportunities Slip
The game-changing moment came in the 31st over when Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan decided against reviewing a potential LBW call against Tom Latham off Abrar Ahmed’s bowling. Replays later showed the decision would have gone in Pakistan’s favor.
Latham was then handed two lifelines—first when Shaheen Shah Afridi dropped a straightforward return catch, and again when Saud Shakeel missed an edge off Abrar.
While Daryl Mitchell (57 off 58) fell to a stunning one-handed return catch by Abrar, the damage was already done. With only 48 needed off 66 deliveries, Glenn Phillips (20* off 17) provided the finishing touches, securing victory with 4.4 overs to spare.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Continue
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting unit faltered once again. Opting to bat first, they were bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs. Rizwan (46 off 76) and Salman Ali Agha (45 off 65) provided some resistance, but their efforts were undone by a disciplined New Zealand attack led by Will O’Rourke (4-43).
Babar Azam reached a personal milestone, becoming the joint-fastest batter to 6000 ODI runs (123 innings) alongside Hashim Amla. However, his innings was short-lived as he was dismissed for 29. Tayyab Tahir injected some late urgency with a 38-run knock, but Pakistan’s total proved insufficient.
New Zealand Strengthen Champions Trophy Credentials
New Zealand’s victory further established them as strong contenders for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which begins in five days at the same venue with a rematch between these two sides.
For Pakistan, the defeat raised serious questions about their preparedness, particularly in the fielding and leadership departments. With little time left before the global tournament, they must address their weaknesses quickly to compete against the best.
Match Summary:
🏏 Pakistan: 242 all out (49.3 overs)
- Rizwan 46 (76), Salman 45 (65), Tayyab 38 (33)
- O’Rourke 4-43, Santner 2-20, Bracewell 2-38
🏏 New Zealand: 243-5 (45.2 overs)
- Mitchell 57 (58), Latham 56 (64), Conway 48 (74)
- Naseem 2-43, Abrar 1-67, Salman 1-45
🔹 New Zealand won by five wickets
🏆 Player of the Match: Will O’Rourke (4-43)
