New Zealand Wins ODI Tri-Series vs Pakistan
Karachi, February 14, 2025
In a high-octane showdown at Karachi’s National Stadium, New Zealand emerged victorious in the ODI Tri-Series final, defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets in a nail-biting contest. Chasing 243 in a rain-adjusted 46-over game, the Black Caps held their nerve to lift the trophy, with Will O’Rourke stealing the spotlight as Player of the Match for his game-changing bowling spell.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Match Highlights | Key Performances | Final Standings
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 242 all out in 49.3 overs, but inconsistent partnerships and a middle-order collapse left them short of a competitive total. Captain Muhammad Rizwan (46 off 76) and Player of the Series Muhammad Salman Ali (45 off 65) anchored the innings with gritty knocks, while Muhammad Tayyab Tahir (38 off 33) injected late momentum. However, New Zealand’s bowlers kept striking at crucial junctures.
Will O’Rourke (4/43 in 9.3 overs) was the destroyer-in-chief, dismantling Pakistan’s top and lower order. Spinners Michael Bracewell (2/38) and Mitch Santner (2/20) tightened the screws, while Santner’s miserly economy of 2.00 stifled Pakistan’s scoring rate.
Key Moments:
- Top-order wobble: Pakistan slumped to 54/3 inside 12 overs, losing Fakhar Zaman (10), Saud Shakeel (8), and Babar Azam (29).
- Lower-order fight: Naseem Shah’s fiery 19* off 17 balls and Faheem Ashraf’s 22 off 21 pushed Pakistan past 240.
New Zealand’s Chase: Calm Heads Prevail
New Zealand’s chase was anchored by composed fifties from Daryl Mitchell (57 off 58) and skipper Tom Latham (56 off 64), who stitched together an 87-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Despite early jitters—losing Will Young (5) and Kane Williamson (34) to Naseem Shah’s sharp bowling—the Kiwis stayed on course.
Glenn Phillips (20* off 17) and Michael Bracewell (2* off 3) sealed the win with 4.4 overs to spare, showcasing New Zealand’s depth under pressure.
Pakistan’s Bowling Highlights:
- Naseem Shah (2/43) struck early blows.
- Muhammad Salman Ali (1/45) dismissed Williamson, capping off a stellar all-round series.
Player of the Match: Will O’Rourke
The 24-year-old pacer delivered a career-defining performance, claiming 4/43 to derail Pakistan’s innings. His key scalps included Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, and Faheem Ashraf, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Player of the Series: Muhammad Salman Ali
Pakistan’s rising star shone bright, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and contributing crucial wickets. His composure with bat and ball made him a standout performer.
Turning Points
- O’Rourke’s Double Strike: Removing Rizwan and Tayyab Tahir in quick succession halted Pakistan’s momentum.
- Mitchell-Latham Partnership: Their 87-run stand shifted the chase decisively in New Zealand’s favor.
- Santner’s Economy: His 2/20 in 10 overs choked Pakistan’s middle order.
What’s Next?
With this win, New Zealand reaffirms their status as a clutch limited-overs side, while Pakistan will rue missed chances despite Salman Ali’s brilliance. Both teams now shift focus to upcoming bilateral series, but the Karachi thriller will linger as a testament to ODI cricket’s enduring drama.
Brief Scores:
- Pakistan: 242 all out in 49.3 overs (Rizwan 46, Salman Ali 45; O’Rourke 4/43)
- New Zealand: 243/5 in 45.2 overs (Mitchell 57, Latham 56; Naseem Shah 2/43)
Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Will O’Rourke
Player of the Series: Muhammad Salman Ali
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