Twitter Reactions: New Zealand’s all-round performance propel them to Pakistan Tri-Nation Series win

Tom Latham and Darly Mitchell. (Photo Source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand continued their impressive form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by securing a comfortable five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series. The Kiwis, who had dominated the initial stage by defeating both Pakistan and South Africa, finished off their campaign with another brilliant performance in Karachi on Friday.

The game began with the hosts winning the toss and electing to bat first, making one change with Faheem Ashraf replacing Mohammad Hasnain. New Zealand, on the other hand, made two changes, bringing in Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith for Matt Henry and Ben Sears.

The Men in Green had an underwhelming start as their top order failed to fire. Fakhar Zaman fell cheaply, while Babar Azam managed 29 before being dismissed by Nathan Smith. The middle order put up some fight, with previous game centurions Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45) taking the responsibility on their shoulders.

Tayyab Tahir came up with a quickfire 38 off 33 balls, but Pakistan’s innings lacked strong partnerships. Despite some lower-order contributions from Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem Shah (19), they were bundled out for 242 in 49.3 overs. For the Kiwis, Will O’Rourke finished with figures of 4/43. Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner chipped in with two wickets each, while Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith picked up one each.

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Chasing 243, the Santner-led side got off to a poor start as Will Young was dismissed early for just five runs. However, Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) stabilized the innings before Daryl Mitchell’s brilliance with the bat. His 57 off 58 balls kept the side in the hunt. Tom Latham’s 56 off 64 balls took the BlackCaps nearer to the target. Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 20 off 17 balls, guided the side to victory in 45.2 overs.

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