KARACHI – New Zealand clinched the tri-nation title by beating hosts Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Karachi.
Seamer Will O’Rourke (4-43) led New Zealand’s tidy bowling as they bundled out the hosts for 242 with three deliveries still left in their innings.
New Zealand successfully chased the 243-run target in the 46th over with five wickets in hand.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 57, while Tom Latham contributed 56. Devon Conway (48), Kane Williamson (34), and Will Young (5) also added to the chase. Glenn Phillips (20*) and Michael Bracewell (2*) remained unbeaten.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah took two wickets, while Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed claimed one each.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Pakistan was bowled out for 242 in the 50th over. The batting struggled from the start, with Fakhar Zaman (10), Saud Shakeel (8), and Babar Azam (29) departing early.
Rizwan (46) and Salman Ali Agha (45) built an 88-run partnership, but Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals. Tayyab Tahir scored 38, while Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem Shah (19) added late runs.
New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke claimed four wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner took two each. Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy picked up one wicket apiece.
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Agha Salman, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
With both teams prepared for a high-stakes clash, Pakistan will look to capitalize on their decision to bat first, while New Zealand will be eager to strike early and take control of the game.
