New Zealand received a significant boost ahead of next week’s Champions Trophy after defeating hosts Pakistan by five wickets in the final on Friday in Karachi to secure the tri-nation trophy.
At the Karachi National Stadium, the two teams will rematch on February 19 in the 2025 Champions Trophy opener. India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Pakistan are all in Group A.
For all three teams, the tri-series—which also featured South Africa—was the last stage before the eight-team competition that Pakistan is hosting.
After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bat first, however the Mohammad Rizwan-led team did not have the desired outcome.
The powerplay itself saw the dismissal of Saud Shakeel (8) and Fakhar Zaman (10), with Babar Azam (29), shortly joining the pair in the pavilion. A vital partnership was once again stitched by Rizwan (46), and Salman Ali Agha (45), but both players were removed before they could attain their half-centuries.
Before being bowled out in 49.3 overs, Pakistan’s total reached 242 thanks to a few runs down the order from Tayyab Tahir (22), Faheem Ashraf (19), and Naseem Shah (19).
With four wickets, Kiwi spinner William O’Rourke was the most impressive player. In their frugal spells, captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell each took a few wickets.
New Zealand kept up their chase by continuing to form partnerships, even though they lost starter Will Young early. Both Devon Conway and Kane Williamson were removed before they reached their fifties, but Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham reached the milestone to ease New Zealand’s burden.
