New Zealand outclass Pakistan to clinch tri-nation series title in Karachi

New Zealand secured a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final of the tri-nation series successfully chasing down the 243-run target with 28 balls to spare at Karachi’s National Stadium.

Half centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham ensured that the Black Caps comfortably chased down the rather humble target.

With this win, the Black Caps have gained significant momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, where they will face Pakistan again in the tournament opener on Wednesday at the same venue.

Confident Kiwi Chase

Despite an early setback, New Zealand’s batting depth ensured a steady pursuit of the target. Naseem Shah had given Pakistan a strong start by removing Will Young (5) in his first over, but Conway and Williamson responded with a 71-run stand.

Devon Conway and Kane Williamson batting during the tri-nation series final against PakistanPCB

Williamson perished while charging down the track against Salman Agha, while Conway fell to Naseem, leaving New Zealand at 108-3. Mitchell and Latham rebuilt with an 87-run partnership, working singles and dispatching loose deliveries to regain control.

When Mitchell was caught and bowled by Abrar Ahmed, the visitors needed just 48 more runs, which Latham and Glenn Phillips (20*) knocked off with ease.

Lackluster Pakistani bowling

Pakistan’s bowlers failed to build sustained pressure, with Naseem Shah (2-43) being the only real threat. Salman Agha and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a wicket each, but lacked consistency.

"New Zealand bowled well and restricted us from getting to 280-plus," admitted losing captain Mohammad Rizwan in the post-match interview. "My wicket was crucial, and we lost our way after that."

With little variation and minimal support for Naseem, Pakistan’s attack looked toothless as Latham and Phillips comfortably guided New Zealand to win.

Inconsistent batting

Pakistan struggled for momentum on a tricky surface, with only Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45) showing resilience.

Babar Azam reached the milestone of 6,000 ODI runs—equalling Hashim Amla as the fastest to do so—but failed to convert his start, falling for 29.

Babar Azam batting against New Zealand in the tri-series finalPCB

A promising 88-run stand between Rizwan and Agha revived the innings, but their quick dismissals halted Pakistan’s progress. Tayyab Tahir’s brisk 38 off 33 balls, along with a late 39-run partnership between Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem Shah (19), helped Pakistan cross the 240 mark.

O’Rourke’s Decisive Spell

Pace bowler Will O’Rourke was the architect of Pakistan’s downfall, delivering a crucial four-wicket haul to restrict the hosts to 242.

O’Rourke struck early to remove Fakhar Zaman (10) and Saud Shakeel (8), before returning to dismiss Tayyab Tahir (38) and Faheem Ashraf (22), finishing with figures of 4-43 in 10 overs.

Spinners Mitchell Santner (2-20) and Michael Bracewell (2-38) provided strong support, ensuring Pakistan never gained complete control of their innings.

Eyeing Champions Trophy

The Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner valued the win but emphasized on the real test being the Champions Trophy. "It’s great to get the win tonight," Santner said.

"Different players stepping up at different times is a good sign, but this win means nothing if we don’t perform in the Champions Trophy opener." New Zealand will now shift their focus to Wednesday’s showdown against Pakistan as they aim to carry this winning momentum into the Champions Trophy.