New Zealand defeats Pakistan to win tri-nation ODI series

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win the tri-nation ODI series at the National Bank Stadium on Friday. A strong performance from Will O’Rourke, who took four wickets, along with half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, guided the visitors to victory.

Chasing a target of 243, New Zealand made easy work of the chase, finishing with five wickets remaining and 28 balls to spare.

The Blackcaps’ pursuit started on a challenging note when opener Will Young fell early to Naseem Shah for just five runs in the second over, leaving New Zealand at 5/1. However, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway steadied the innings, adding 71 runs for the second wicket.

Williamson scored a steady 34 off 49 balls before being dismissed by all-rounder Salman Ali Agha in the 18th over. Conway, who made 48 off 74 balls, was dismissed by Naseem just before the halfway point, leaving New Zealand at 108/3.

Daryl Mitchell then joined forces with wicketkeeper Tom Latham, and the pair built a solid 87-run partnership, putting the Blackcaps in a strong position. Mitchell, who top-scored for New Zealand, made 57 off 58 balls, hitting six boundaries. He was dismissed soon after reaching his half-century.

Latham continued the chase, scoring 56 off 64 balls, including five boundaries, before being dismissed in the 45th over with New Zealand needing just 11 more runs for victory.

Glenn Phillips then finished the job, scoring an unbeaten 20 to guide New Zealand across the line in the 46th over.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha picked up one each.

Earlier, Pakistan batted first and were bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs. Their innings got off to a poor start, with opener Fakhar Zaman dismissed by O’Rourke for just 10. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam briefly rallied, adding 30 runs, but both fell quickly, leaving Pakistan at 54/3.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha then tried to rebuild, putting on 88 runs together. Rizwan, who top-scored for Pakistan with 46 off 76 balls, was dismissed in the 32nd over, followed by Agha, who made 45 off 65 balls.

Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir contributed a quick 38 off 33 balls, but Pakistan's tail struggled. Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah added a crucial 39-run partnership for the ninth wicket, but Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 242. Ashraf made 22, while Naseem contributed 19.

O’Rourke was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming four wickets for 43 runs in 9.3 overs. Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner each took two wickets.

With the win, New Zealand secured the tri-nation ODI series title, thanks to a solid team effort with both bat and ball.

Playing XI:  

Pakistan: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. 

New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke