New Zealand made light work of Pakistan in the tri-nation series final at the National Stadium in Karachi to tick off the boxes ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The Kiwis dominated the contest in both departments, first bowling the Men in Green out for 242 and then chasing it down without much trouble to lift the tri-nation series trophy featuring South Africa.
The Blackcaps look like a strong unit and have got decent preparation to get in good shape for the global ICC tournament. The return of Kane Williamson has been good with the former Kiwi skipper amassing 225 runs in three matches, the second-most in the series behind Matthew Breetzke, who had hit 233.
Coming in for Rachin Ravindra after his nasty head injury, Devon Conway has made decent contributions in both matches, scoring 48 in the final after a 97-run knock against South Africa earlier. Williamson was among the runs yet again after his hundred against the Proteas, as he made 34 in the final.
Daryl Mitchell made another half-ton, while Tom Latham scored 56 to storm back among runs. There wasn't much of an issue for the Kiwis, as Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten on 20 and two, respectively to take their team home within 45.2 overs and with five wickets in hand.
The Men in Green had earlier slammed a middling total of 242. Babar Azam, who is set to be seen opening the innings for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, made 29 at the top of the order. Fresh from their 260-run stand to chase down a record 352 against South Africa, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha could not replicate the same magic. They stitched a partnership of 88 but could not go in the same vain. Tayyab Tahir's 38, Faheem Ashraf's 22 and a late 19-run knock off 17 balls from Naseem Shah, took the hosts to 242.
Pakistan had earlier won the toss and had opted to bat first. "Want to bat first. Pitch looks dry. We are trying to do our best. I said in the press conference about the cultural problem, but we're trying to fix it. One change for us," Rizwan said at the toss.
"Probably looks like slightly less grass than the other night. But I expect another high-scoring game. Boys have played here a lot. Have been lucky enough to come to Pakistan for the last few years. Anywhere you go in Pakistan, wicket is generally good. Have a job to do with the ball. You always want to win anytime you play for your country - Pakistan will be the same. Two changes - Matt Henry and Ben Sears are out. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith in," Santner said at the toss.