Karachi, February 14, 2025 – New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets on Friday to secure the One-Day International (ODI) Triangular Series in a commanding fashion.
The Black Caps showcased their superiority throughout the tournament, delivering a clinical performance in the final that highlighted their status as potential favorites for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The Kiwis’ chase of Pakistan’s modest target was a masterclass in calculated aggression. Despite losing an early wicket, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Later, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell took charge, rotating the strike efficiently and dispatching loose deliveries with ease. Mitchell’s half-century was crucial in maintaining momentum, though he fell before the end. Glenn Phillips, who had shone in the tournament opener, fittingly hit the winning runs to seal the series.
Earlier, Pakistan, after choosing to bat first, posted a competitive total thanks to notable contributions from Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Salman Ali. Rizwan’s patient knock provided stability, while Salman Ali’s aggressive strokes in the middle overs lifted the total. The lower-order batters added valuable runs, but New Zealand’s bowlers kept the innings in check. Will O’Rourke was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets in a devastating spell. Captain Mitch Santner and Michael Bracewell also chipped in with timely breakthroughs.
Pakistan’s bowling and fielding efforts left much to be desired. Naseem Shah gave an early breakthrough and returned to take another scalp later. However, the rest of the bowling unit struggled to apply consistent pressure. Abrar Ahmed showed promise but was let down by lapses in the field. Dropped catches and misfields proved costly against a clinical Kiwi side.
At the post-match presentation, New Zealand skipper Mitch Santner praised his team for executing their plans flawlessly. “We ticked all the boxes before the Champions Trophy. Different players stepped up at different times, and that’s a great sign,” he said.
Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan admitted his side’s shortcomings. “We misread the conditions. The pitch slowed down, but credit to New Zealand for exploiting it. Our fielding was below par, and that’s something we must address immediately,” Rizwan said.
The individual accolades were shared between the two sides. Will O’Rourke received the Player of the Match award for his bowling exploits, while Muhammad Salman Ali was named Player of the Series for his consistent all-round performances.
With the Champions Trophy just days away, both teams will reflect on their performances. New Zealand, buoyed by this triumph, will aim to carry their winning momentum forward. Pakistan, meanwhile, faces a stern test in addressing its shortcomings to be competitive on the big stage. The two sides are set to clash again in the tournament’s opening match on February 19, promising another exciting encounter for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.