3:36 pm - February 25, 2025
New Zealand has delivered a commanding performance in the final of the tri-nation series, defeating Pakistan by five wickets just five days before the two teams are set to meet again in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The Black Caps, who will also host the tournament, showcased their readiness with a clinical display in all departments of the game. After Pakistan was dismissed for 242 runs, New Zealand chased down the target with ease, reaching 243-5 in the 46th over. The victory marked the team’s third consecutive win in the tournament and provided a strong confidence boost ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The match, played in Lahore, saw New Zealand’s bowlers set the tone early with disciplined execution. Fast bowler Will O’Rourke was the standout performer, claiming 4-43 and making a strong case for inclusion in the starting XI for the Champions Trophy opener. Captain Mitchell Santner also impressed, delivering his most economical ODI figures to date with 2-20. The Black Caps’ ability to pick up wickets at regular intervals derailed Pakistan’s innings, which struggled to gain momentum despite contributions from captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Babar, who became the joint fastest batter to reach 6,000 ODI runs alongside South Africa’s Hashim Amla, fell for 29, and Rizwan’s 46 was one of the few highlights in an otherwise subdued batting display.
New Zealand’s chase was anchored by Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, who both scored half-centuries. Mitchell’s 57 and Latham’s 56 were instrumental in guiding the team to victory, with their 87-run partnership off 88 balls proving decisive. Latham, who had struggled in the group stages, rediscovered his form and capitalized on two dropped catches to play a crucial role. His innings was not without drama, as he successfully reviewed an lbw decision and survived a close call for caught behind. Mitchell, meanwhile, continued his consistent form, while Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) laid a solid foundation at the top of the order.
Pakistan’s batting lineup, however, failed to replicate the firepower they showed in their previous match against South Africa. None of their batters managed to score a half-century, and the team’s innings lacked the urgency and precision required to post a competitive total. After Babar’s dismissal, Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha attempted to rebuild with an 88-run stand, but their inability to accelerate in the latter stages proved costly. The loss of quick wickets in the final overs further compounded Pakistan’s struggles, as New Zealand’s bowlers capitalized on the pressure they had built throughout the innings.
Santner praised his team’s all-round performance but emphasized that the focus remains on the Champions Trophy. “Different guys stepping up at different times is good, but it means nothing till we play that first game at the Champions Trophy,” he said. The captain also highlighted the challenges posed by the pitch, which was slower than expected, but credited his team’s ability to adapt and build pressure through tight bowling and disciplined fielding. New Zealand’s ability to read the conditions and execute their plans effectively was a key factor in their success.
The match also saw some notable moments, including O’Rourke’s impressive return to international cricket and Santner’s economical spell. For Pakistan, the defeat highlighted areas that need improvement, particularly their batting consistency and ability to handle pressure in crucial stages. Despite the loss, captain Rizwan acknowledged the efforts of his bowlers and the challenges posed by the pitch, but admitted that his team fell short in delivering the required performance. With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, both teams will look to fine-tune their strategies and deliver their best performances on the global stage.