New Zealand Clinches Tri-Nation Series Title with Five-Wicket Win Over Pakistan

New Zealand continued their dominant run in the tri-nation series, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the final at Karachi on Friday. Will O’Rourke’s four-wicket haul, coupled with half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, powered the Kiwis to victory, giving them a confidence boost ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy opener against the same opponent at the same venue on February 19.

After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first but faced early trouble as Will O’Rourke removed Fakhar Zaman for just 10 runs in 15 balls. A brief 30-run stand between Babar Azam (29 off 34, four boundaries, one six) and Saud Shakeel (8) offered some respite, but Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith struck in quick succession, leaving Pakistan struggling at 54/3 in 11.5 overs.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Agha provided much-needed stability with an 84-run partnership. However, both fell just short of their fifties—Rizwan scored 46 off 76 balls (four boundaries, one six), while Salman managed 45 off 65 (one four, one six). Their dismissals at a crucial juncture left Pakistan reeling at 161/5 in 36.5 overs.

Lower-order batters Tayyab Tahir (38 off 33, four boundaries, one six) and Faheem Ashraf (22 off 21, two boundaries) showed some resistance, but Pakistan failed to build any significant partnerships and was eventually bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs.

For New Zealand, O’Rourke was the standout performer with figures of 4/43, claiming key wickets including Fakhar and Rizwan. Bracewell (2/38) played a crucial role by dismissing Babar and Salman, while Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy chipped in with a wicket each.

Chasing 243, New Zealand got off to a shaky start as Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young for just 5, extending his poor form in the series. However, Kane Williamson (34 off 49, three fours, one six) and Devon Conway (48 off 74, five boundaries) steadied the innings with a 71-run stand. Salman Agha’s delivery sent Williamson back to the pavilion, while Naseem struck again to remove Conway just two runs short of his half-century, reducing New Zealand to 108/3 in 24.2 overs.

At this stage, Latham and Mitchell took charge, stitching together a crucial partnership that put the Kiwis back on track. Mitchell, continuing his stellar form, notched up a half-century in 56 balls, hitting five boundaries before being dismissed for 57 by a stunning caught-and-bowled effort from Abrar Ahmed.

Latham carried on and reached his fifty off 60 balls with four boundaries. Although Shaheen Shah Afridi ended his innings at 56, New Zealand was already within touching distance of victory at 232/5 in 44.1 overs. Glenn Phillips (20*) and Michael Bracewell (2*) comfortably guided the team across the finish line, securing the five-wicket win.

Naseem Shah (2/43) was Pakistan’s most effective bowler, but he lacked significant support from the rest of the bowling attack. The Kiwis’ unbeaten run in the tri-nation series will serve as a major confidence booster as they prepare for their Champions Trophy campaign, starting with a rematch against Pakistan at the same venue on February 19.