New Zealand secured the Tri-Nation ODI Series title, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the final at Karachi’s National Stadium.

Chasing a modest 243-run target, the Kiwis comfortably reached the finish line in 46 overs, sealing the championship.

Pakistan’s batting struggles again

After winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan opted to bat first, but the decision backfired. The team suffered early blows, with Fakhar Zaman departing for just 10 runs, followed by Shakeel Masood (8).

Star batter Babar Azam also failed to make an impact, scoring only 29 runs before getting dismissed.

However, he achieved a milestone, becoming the fastest player to score 6,000 runs in ODI cricket.

Despite their struggles, Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha provided some resistance, adding a crucial 72-run stand to push the total to 142.

Rizwan fell after scoring 46, followed by Salman Ali Agha (45), who edged Michael Bracewell’s delivery to Jacob Duffy.

Tayyab Tahir played a brief but aggressive knock, scoring 38 off 33 balls, but the lower order collapsed. Khushdil Shah (7) and Shaheen Afridi (1) failed to contribute, and Pakistan was bowled out for 242 in 49.3 overs, unable to complete their full quota of 50 overs.

New Zealand’s bowling performance

New Zealand’s bowlers dominated the innings, with captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Will O’Rourke claiming two wickets each, while Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith chipped in with one apiece.

Chasing the target, New Zealand’s innings began shakily as Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah dismissed opener Will Young for just 5 runs in the second over.

Kiwis chase target comfortably

However, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson stabilised the innings, putting together a 71-run partnership for the second wicket, taking the score to 76 runs. At this point, Williamson fell for 34, caught off Salman Ali Agha’s delivery.

Conway followed soon after, scoring 48, before Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham took control, guiding New Zealand to 195 runs.

Mitchell, who played a captain’s knock of 57, was eventually dismissed by Abrar Ahmed, who took a sharp return catch.

By the time Mitchell got out, New Zealand had already secured a commanding position, needing only 48 more runs with six wickets in hand.

Latham anchored the innings with a crucial 56 off 64 balls, hitting five boundaries, ensuring there were no further hiccups. Glenn Phillips (20) and Michael Bracewell (2) remained unbeaten, steering New Zealand home in the 46th over with five wickets to spare.

With this comfortable chase, New Zealand not only claimed victory in the match but also lifted the Tri-Nation ODI Series trophy, leaving Pakistan to reflect on yet another disappointing performance.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke.