New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets on Friday in Karachi to win the Tri-Series final. It was an easy chase for the Kiwis in the end who chased down the target of inside 46 overs.
New Zealand thus remained undefeated in the Tri-Series as they won the tournament. This tri-series win comes as a major boost for the side who will also be laying against the same opposition in the Champions Trophy campaign opener on February 19.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. They were bowled out for 242 with Babar Azam yet again falling for a low score (39 off 34). Mohammad Rizwan scored 46, Salman Ali Agha 45 and Tayyab Tahir 38 as the trio played key roles in helping Pakistan get to that modest total. Faheem Ashraf (22 off 21) and Naseem Shah (19 off 17) played handy cameos down the order.
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New Zealand Complete Easy Victory
For the Kiwis, William ORourke picked up 4/43. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith picked up a wicket each while Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell picked up two each. They understood the conditions very well and bowled to a plan.
New Zealand in their chase, lost Will Young early. Devon Conway (48 off 74), Kane Williamson (34 off 49), Daryl Mitchell (57 off 58) and Tom Latham (56 off 64) played lead roles with the bat and helped them get close to the total. An unbeaten 20 off 17 balls from Glenn Phillips saw the Kiwis go past the finishing line with enough overs and wickets to spare.
Also Read: PAK vs NZ Final ODI - Babar Azam Beats Virat Kohli To Achieve This Special Milestone In Karachi
Here as well, it was a professional run-chase from the Kiwis who batted according to the situation and the conditions. The win was a timely reminder that the Kiwis can never be counted out in the final of any major tournament. Having played three games just before the Champions Trophy, they are certainly prepared better for the ICC event as compared to the other teams.
Santner spoke about his team's victory after the match. He said how it was a combined effort from different players who stepped up for the team when required. Rizwan on the other hand, was disappointed after the loss.
"Nice to win tonight. Different guys stepping up at different times is good. Was a bit two-paced. Was about trying to put it in a good spot for a long time and build pressure" said Santner after the win.
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NZ vs PAK Final ODI Match Scorecard
