New Zealand Clinches ODI Tri-Series Title in Thrilling Final Against Pakistan

Hello friends, welcome to our blog ‘New Zealand Clinches ODI Tri-Series Title in Thrilling Final Against Pakistan‘. Here we have the summary of the match. February 14, 2025

In a high-stakes showdown at Karachi’s National Stadium, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets to lift the 2025 ODI Tri-Series trophy. The match, a precursor to the ICC Champions Trophy, showcased clinical bowling, gritty batting, and strategic brilliance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the contest, along with key insights and FAQs.

Table of Contents

Match Summary

Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets.
Toss: Pakistan elected to bat first.
Pakistan: 242/10 (49.3 overs)
New Zealand: 243/5 (45.2 overs)
Player of the Match: Will O’Rourke (NZ) – 4/43.
Player of the Series: Salman Agha (PAK) – All-round contributions.

Match Highlights

Pakistan’s Innings: A Struggle Against Discipline

Pakistan’s decision to bat first backfired early as New Zealand’s pace attack dominated. Will O’Rourke struck in the fourth over, dismissing Fakhar Zaman (10) and Saud Shakeel (8), while Nathan Smith removed Babar Azam (29), who crossed 6,000 ODI runs—a milestone achieved in just 123 innings, tying Hashim Amla’s record.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 76) and Salman Agha (45 off 65) stabilized the innings with an 88-run partnership, but spinners Mitchell Santner (2/20) and Michael Bracewell (2/38) tightened the screws. Late contributions from Tayyab Tahir (38) and Faheem Ashraf (22) pushed Pakistan to 242, but the total felt 20–30 runs short on a two-paced pitch.

New Zealand’s Chase: Controlled Aggression

New Zealand’s chase began shakily with Naseem Shah removing Will Young (5) early. However, Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) steadied the ship with a 71-run stand. Williamson fell to Salman Agha’s spin, and Conway was dismissed by Naseem, leaving NZ at 108/3.

Daryl Mitchell (57 off 58) and Tom Latham (56 off 64) then took charge, adding 87 runs. Mitchell’s aggressive strokeplay and Latham’s calmness ensured the Kiwis stayed ahead. Glenn Phillips (20* off 17) sealed the win with 28 balls to spare.

Key Performances

Will O’Rourke (NZ): The paceman’s 4/43 dismantled Pakistan’s top order, earning him Player of the Match.
Daryl Mitchell & Tom Latham (NZ): Their 87-run partnership anchored the chase.
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK): Top-scored with 46 but lacked support.
Naseem Shah (PAK): Took 2/43 but received little backup from other bowlers.

Post-Match Reactions

Mitchell Santner (NZ Captain): Praised the team’s adaptability on a tricky pitch and highlighted the importance of Powerplay dominance.
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK Captain): Admitted Pakistan fell short by 10–15 runs and criticized fielding lapses.
Salman Agha (Player of the Series): Expressed disappointment despite personal success, emphasizing the need for higher totals.

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10 FAQs

What was the margin of New Zealand’s victory?
New Zealand won by 5 wickets with 28 balls remaining.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Will O’Rourke for his 4-wicket haul.
Why did Pakistan lose despite a decent total?
Ineffective bowling and fielding errors cost them, per captain Rizwan.
How significant was Babar Azam’s 6,000 ODI runs?
He tied Hashim Amla’s record for the fastest to 6,000 runs (123 innings).
What role did spinners play in the match?
Santner (2/20) and Bracewell (2/38) restricted Pakistan’s middle order.
How did the pitch behave?
Slow and two-paced, favoring spinners as the game progressed.
What’s next for both teams?
They face each other again in the Champions Trophy opener on February 19.
Who were the standout batters for New Zealand?
Daryl Mitchell (57) and Tom Latham (56).
Did Pakistan’s toss decision backfire?
Yes. Rizwan admitted the pitch slowed down, complicating their chase plans.
Where can I watch the highlights?
Available on platforms like Hindustan Times and Cricket World.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s comprehensive victory underscores their readiness for the Champions Trophy, while Pakistan must address batting collapses and bowling inconsistencies. With both teams set to clash again in days, cricket fans can expect another gripping encounter.