New Zealand’s victory over Pakistan in the tri-series final showcased their depth and resilience. Despite key injuries, they restricted Pakistan to 242 and chased the target with 28 balls to spare. Strong bowling performances from Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner set up the win, while Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties sealed the deal.
O’Rourke Leads with Four Wickets
New Zealand’s bowling was crucial. Will O’Rourke, stepping in for injured key players, took four wickets for 43 runs. He dismissed Fakhar Zaman early with a well-placed fuller ball and later returned to remove a set Mohammad Rizwan for 46. His versatility—sharp early spells and control with the older ball—was on full display.
Mitchell Santner’s economical bowling applied pressure in the middle overs. He bowled 40 dot balls and finished with 2 for 20 in his ten overs. Michael Bracewell complemented Santner with tight lines, taking 2 for 38. Together, the spin duo restricted Pakistan’s scoring opportunities.
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Pakistan’s Struggle to Build Momentum
Pakistan’s innings lacked tempo. They scored just 48 for 2 in the powerplay and struggled to find boundaries. Fakhar Zaman fell for 10, and Babar Azam became the joint-fastest player to 6000 ODI runs before Nathan Smith dismissed him for 29.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha provided some stability with an 88-run partnership. However, O’Rourke’s re-entry broke the stand as Rizwan chopped a slower ball onto his stumps. Agha followed shortly after, miscuing a reverse sweep to short third for 45.
Tayyab Tahir’s brisk 38 gave the innings a late push, but New Zealand’s bowlers conceded only four boundaries in the last eight overs. Pakistan managed just 242, leaving a challenging task for their bowlers.
Conway and Williamson Lay the Foundation
Chasing 243, New Zealand faced early pressure under the lights. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi exploited swing and seam to trouble the openers. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson absorbed the pressure with steady defense and patience.
Williamson found his rhythm with calculated shots, including a lofted drive over mid-off. Conway punished loose deliveries through the covers. Williamson fell for 34 when Agha’s offspin caused a misjudged shot. Conway departed two short of a half-century, but the platform was set.
Mitchell and Latham Seal the Chase
Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham took control in the middle overs. Mitchell swept and reverse-swept Pakistan’s spinners effectively, scoring 57. He shared an 87-run partnership with Latham, who rediscovered his form with a crucial 56. Pakistan’s fielding lapses benefited Latham, but his innings underlined New Zealand’s dominance.
Bracewell and Glenn Phillips finished the chase, ensuring a five-wicket win. The victory, despite injuries to key players, highlighted New Zealand’s depth and readiness for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With potential returns of Ravindra and Ferguson, they’ll be even stronger in Wednesday’s opener against Pakistan.
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