Cricket Highlights, Feb 14: Pakistan Tri-Nation Series (Final ODI) – Pakistan vs New Zealand

PAK vs NZ (Final ODI) – Highlights

The Pakistan Tri-Nation Series final at Karachi saw NZ clinch a comfortable five-wicket victory over PAK, successfully chasing down a target of 243 with 28 balls to spare. The Kiwis showcased their composure under pressure, while Pakistan struggled to capitalize on key moments.

Batting first, Pakistan got off to a shaky start as Fakhar Zaman fell early, caught by Will Young off the bowling of Will O’Rourke. Captain Babar Azam attempted to steady the innings with a composed 29 but was undone by Nathan Smith. Saud Shakeel’s struggles continued as he was bowled by Michael Bracewell for just 8, leaving Pakistan reeling at 46 for 3.

The middle order offered some resistance, with Mohammad Rizwan leading the fightback. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a patient 46 off 76 balls, holding the innings together. Salman Agha provided crucial support with a 65-ball 45, but their dismissals in the middle overs stunted Pakistan’s progress. Tayyab Tahir injected some momentum into the innings with an aggressive 38 off 33, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Faheem Ashraf’s 22 and Naseem Shah’s quickfire 19 took Pakistan to a modest total of 242 before being bowled out in the final over.

New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans effectively. Will O’Rourke emerged as the standout performer, claiming four wickets for 43 runs in his 9.3 overs. Bracewell and Santner picked up two wickets each, while Duffy and Smith chipped in with one apiece. Santner’s economical spell of 10 overs for just 20 runs played a vital role in restricting Pakistan’s total.

Chasing 243, New Zealand’s innings began with an early hiccup as Will Young was trapped LBW by Naseem Shah in the second over. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson then steadied the innings with a crucial 71-run stand. Williamson played cautiously for his 34, but Salman Agha broke the partnership, cleaning him up in the 18th over.

Conway continued to anchor the innings but fell for 48, caught off Abrar Ahmed. With the game in the balance at 108 for 3, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham took control. Mitchell played a fluent knock of 57 off 58 balls, finding the gaps with ease, while Latham complemented him with a composed 56. Their 87-run stand ensured New Zealand remained ahead in the chase.

PAK fought back as Afridi dismissed Latham late in the innings, but Glenn Phillips arrived at the crease and sealed the game with an aggressive unbeaten 20 off 17 balls. Michael Bracewell accompanied him to the finish line as New Zealand completed the chase in 45.2 overs.

Pakistan’s bowling attack lacked penetration despite some early breakthroughs. Naseem Shah was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 for 43 in his 8 overs, while Afridi, Abrar, and Salman Agha took one wicket each. However, the lack of wickets in the middle overs allowed NZ to dictate the game.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Scoreboard 

Pakistan – 242 (49.3/50)

New Zealand – 243/5 (45.2/50)

Result – New Zealand won by 5 wickets (with 28 balls remaining)

Player of the match – Will O’Rourke

PAK vs NZ Playing XIs

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(C)(WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, 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.

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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