Pakistan vs New Zealand: A Thrilling Match in the Books

The recent match between Pakistan and New Zealand was a nail-biter, with the Kiwis emerging victorious in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, 2025. Held at the National Stadium in Karachi, the match saw New Zealand win by 5 wickets, chasing down Pakistan's total of 242 ¹.

A Challenging Pitch

The pitch was two-paced, making it difficult for the batsmen to score freely. Pakistan's captain, Rizwan, opted to bat first, but his team struggled to build momentum, losing early wickets. Despite a valiant effort from Salman Agha, who was named Player of the Series, Pakistan's total seemed below par ¹.

New Zealand's Clinical Performance

New Zealand, on the other hand, was clinical in their approach. Their bowlers, particularly Will O'Rourke, who was named Player of the Match, exploited the conditions beautifully. O'Rourke's spell with the new ball set the tone for the match, and New Zealand's batsmen capitalised on the foundation laid by their bowlers ¹.

A Thrilling Chase

The chase was not without its moments of tension, however. Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Shaheen Afridi, tested the New Zealand batsmen with some probing spells. But Tom Latham and Mitchell Santner held their nerve, guiding their team to a well-deserved victory ¹.

What's Next?

As both teams look ahead to the Champions Trophy, this match served as a valuable learning experience. Pakistan will need to work on their batting and fielding, while New Zealand will look to build on their momentum. One thing's for sure - the next encounter between these two teams will be just as thrilling!