New Zealand Overpowers Pakistan to Seal Tri-Series Title
New Zealand left nothing to chance in the ODI Tri-Series Final, held under Karachi’s night skies on February 14, 2025. Their five-wicket win over Pakistan capped an unbeaten campaign, showing the depth and balance that now puts them in the spotlight for global cricket fans. With this victory, New Zealand walked away as deserving champions, making a statement against a determined home side.
All eyes were on Pakistan after they took the crease. Early wickets threatened to derail their innings, but then came the heroics from skipper Mohammad Rizwan and his deputy Salman Ali Agha. The pair dug in with a massive 260-run partnership, one of the most resilient seen on this ground in recent years. Salman played the aggressor, launching 134 runs off just 103 deliveries, peppering the boundary and manipulating the field with confidence. Rizwan, unfazed at the other end, anchored his side with a composed unbeaten 122—refusing to give his wicket away, even as partners fell around him late in the innings.
Yet, despite this commanding stand, Pakistan just couldn’t push for a match-winning total. Salman’s dismissal in the 46th over exposed the tail, and New Zealand’s bowlers pounced. Will O’Rourke was the standout, snatching four wickets and breaking the back of Pakistan’s lower order. Michael Bracewell quietly kept things tight, offering no freebies. By the end of 49.3 overs, Pakistan found themselves at 242 for 9—not quite what they hoped for after their imposing recovery.
Clinical Chasing: Kiwi Batsmen Hold Their Nerve
Chasing 243 in the pressure of a title decider is never easy, but New Zealand’s reply quickly settled nerves. Even after losing openers earlier than planned, the batting looked in control. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway stitched together a reliable partnership, reading the pitch and opposition with sharp cricketing minds. When it mattered most, Daryl Mitchell stepped up, easing past 50 with crisp drives and controlled aggression. At the other end, Tom Latham played the perfect ally, matching Mitchell’s calm with technical solidity.
Pakistan tried to claw back momentum with tight fielding and pace from Shaheen Afridi, but New Zealand's middle-order wouldn’t buckle. That partnership, and their refusal to let pressure dictate terms, effectively pulled the game away from the hosts. Glenn Phillips came in late, unflustered, and finished things off with a cool head, guiding New Zealand home in just 45.2 overs.
- New Zealand completed the run chase with 28 balls to spare, staying unbeaten throughout the series.
- Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham’s partnership blunted Pakistan’s late bowling surge.
- Will O’Rourke’s four wickets set the tone with the ball, proving crucial in restricting Pakistan.
- Despite a 260-run partnership for Pakistan, their inability to accelerate at the death overs proved costly.
This win isn’t just another trophy for New Zealand. It’s a warning shot ahead of upcoming global tournaments, showing they aren’t just making up the numbers—they’re ready to take on any contender. Pakistan will rue not capitalizing on the middle-overs surge, but for the Kiwis, everything clicked just when it mattered most.