New Zealand's all-round performance leads them to victory over Pakistan in the Tri-Series Final
New Zealand won the tri-series title in Karachi by five wickets in a dominant show over Pakistan. Though Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, made an odd choice to bat first, New Zealand’s bowlers gave a remarkable performance. Under direction by Will O’Rourke (4-43), Mitchell Santner (2-20), and Michael Bracewell (2-38), the Black Caps limited Pakistan to a meager 242 runs overall. With strong half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham driving them to a comfortable win with 28 balls to spare, New Zealand’s batting then improved.
Pakistan's Struggle on a Challenging Karachi Pitch
Given the chasing inclination at the location, many were shocked when Pakistan chose to bat. Rizwan’s selection seems to be an attempt to test before the Champions Trophy. But it turned out to be a disastrous gamble since Karachi’s pitch was very different from the one Pakistan used to pursue a frightening 350-plus total against South Africa just a few days earlier. Benefitting bowlers who could take pace off the ball as well as the spinners, this surface was drier, two-paced, and significantly tougher. The weather, together with controlled New Zealand bowling, made it challenging for Pakistan’s batsmen to develop partnerships or score freely.
O'Rourke Sets the Tone with Early Breakthroughs
Quick to take advantage of the circumstances, New Zealand’s opening bowler Will O’Rourke made an early impact with the fresh ball. He chipped the ball to midwicket, accounting for Pakistan’s standout opener, Fakhar Zaman, whose poor shot selection resulted in a soft dismissal. O’Rourke’s ferocious spell established the tone for New Zealand’s bowling attack, which would rule the innings.
Pakistan falters, cutting short Babar Azam's start
Early on, Babar Azam had shown fluency; he then maintained his great form by ranking among the joint-fastest players to amass 6000 ODI runs alongside the venerable Hashim Amla. But just when it looked like he may spearhead Pakistan’s innings, Babar failed to translate his outstanding start into a significant score. A tame return catch ended Nathan Smith’s stay. Shortly thereafter, Bracewell’s skillful arm-ball bowled Saud Shakeel out of his third-place promotion. Three quick wicket losses disrupted Pakistan’s innings, leaving Rizwan and Salman Agha to rebuild.
Rizwan and Salman’s Effort Falls Short
Though Rizwan and Salman had a terrible relationship, Pakistan lacked the momentum required to score a difficult total. After striking a six off O’Rourke, Rizwan—who had battled for fluency—was thrown off. Playing a wayward stroke, he sent the ball slamming into the stumps. Impressive in the midovers, Bracewell then caught Salman Agha, who sought to press the matter with a forceful shot. Particularly Bracewell and Santner, New Zealand’s spinners were superb in preserving pressure and game control.
Pakistan's Lower Order Fights, but Collapse Looms
Only a few brief contributions from players like Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah guaranteed Pakistan a relatively competitive total as the middle order failed. But a spectacular fall in the last overs left them just with 242 runs to defend. Although there were a few poor fielding errors in the last few overs, New Zealand had dominated most of the innings, and clearly Pakistan’s total was below average.
Mitchell and Latham Steady the Chase; Naseem Shah Strikes Early
Targeting 243, New Zealand had an early obstacle as Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers—especially Naseem Shah—found quick movement. Naseem Shah trapped Will Young LBW with a delivery that seamed back in sharply. But Kane Williamson (34) and Devon Conway (48) braved the early storm with a calm cooperation. Though it was rough, Conway dug in and let Williamson score most of it. The pair gave New Zealand hope by adding 71 runs for the second wicket, therefore steadying the chase.
The turning point in Mitchell and Latham's relationship
The game was in balance at 108/3, when Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell put together an incredible 87-run pair. The two seized command of the chase and showed outstanding clarity and empathy. Latham was rather lucky, though, to survive a few dropped catches and a missed run-out opportunity. The pair kept Pakistan under constant strain by methodically advancing the hunt forward despite these reprieves. Latham’s ejection occurred as he sought to quicken the scoring, but by then the game was firmly in New Zealand’s control.
Bracewell and Phillips Seal the Deal at the Final Push
New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips easily finished the paperwork since just a few runs were required. Their coolness under pressure guaranteed the Black Caps closed up the chase handily, claiming the championship without much more drama.
Notes: Brief Scores
New Zealand scored 243/5 in 45.2 overs (Daryl Mitchell 57, Tom Latham 56; Naseem Shah 2-20, Michael Bracewell 2-38) and defeated Pakistan, who scored 242 in 49.3 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 46; Will O’Rourke 4-43). The victory was achieved by a margin of five wickets.