ODI Tri-Series: New Zealand Triumphs Over Pakistan to Secure Title
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Synopsis
New Zealand clinched the Tri-Nation ODI Series title by defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the final match held in Karachi. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham's half-centuries, coupled with a strong bowling performance, ensured New Zealand finished the series unbeaten, a morale boost ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Key Takeaways
- Daryl Mitchell scored 57 runs off 58 balls.
- Tom Latham contributed 56 runs off 64 balls.
- New Zealand finished the tri-series unbeaten.
- Will O’Rourke took 4 wickets for New Zealand.
- Pakistan was bowled out for 242 runs.
Karachi, Feb 14 (NationPress) Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham delivered impressive half-centuries as part of a stellar bowling display, leading New Zealand to a five-wicket victory against host Pakistan in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series held at the National Stadium on Friday. This victory significantly boosts New Zealand ahead of the Champions Trophy, despite the loss of pacer Ben Sears due to injury. With this win, New Zealand concluded the tri-series without a defeat.
Mitchell scored 57 runs off 58 balls while Latham stepped up when it counted, contributing 56 runs off 64 balls. Alongside valuable inputs from Devon Conway (48 runs) and Kane Williamson (34 runs), New Zealand chased down a target of 243, finishing at 245/5 in just 45.2 overs, with 28 balls remaining.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing Fakar Zaman (10) with only 16 runs on the board, and Babar Azam soon followed, scoring 29 and becoming the joint-fastest player to reach the 6,000 runs milestone. Caught off Nathan Smith's bowling, Pakistan found themselves at 54/3.
Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45) managed to forge an 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket, but could not replicate the dominance seen in their previous match against South Africa. Once they were dismissed, Pakistan struggled to build significant partnerships, finishing with a subpar total.
In the second innings, Pakistan delivered an early blow, dismissing Will Young for just five runs. Conway and Williamson managed to score 76 runs together before Agha Salman bowled out the former New Zealand captain for 34.
Conway added 32 more runs alongside Mitchell, propelling New Zealand past the 100-run mark. Although Conway fell short of his half-century by two runs, Mitchell reached his milestone off 56 balls, finishing with 57 runs, featuring six boundaries.
The partnership between Mitchell and Latham yielded 88 runs for the fourth wicket, with Latham completing his half-century off 60 balls. Ultimately, he was dismissed for 56 runs, leaving New Zealand well-positioned for victory at 232/5. Glenn Phillips (20 not out) guided the team to a successful finish.
Brief scores:
Pakistan: 242 all out in 49.3 overs (Mohd Rizwan 46, Salman Agha 45, Tyyab Tahir 38, Will O’Rourke 4-43; Michael Bracewell 2-38, Mitchell Santner 2-20) lost to New Zealand: 243/5 in 45.2 overs (Devon Conway 48, Daryl Mitchell 57, Tom Latham 56; Naseem Shah 2-43) by five wickets.
