KARACHI: New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke spun a web of wickets, claiming four scalps to dismiss Pakistan for a modest 242 in the final showdown of the tri-nation ODI series at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan hoped for a strong start, but O’Rourke struck early, sending Fakhar Zaman back to the pavilion for just 10 runs.
Saud Shakeel (8) and Babar Azam attempted to stabilize the innings, stitching together a 30-run partnership for the second wicket before Shakeel fell victim to Michael Bracewell’s cunning delivery.
Babar looked composed during his 34-ball innings, scoring 29, but his dismissal came through a straightforward return catch to Nathan Smith, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 54-3.
Rizwan, along with Salman Ali Agha, stepped up to rescue the innings, forging a resilient partnership of 88 runs for the fourth wicket until O’Rourke made his mark once more.
ALSO READ: Pakistan and Kiwis Set for High-Stakes Tri-Nation ODI Series Final Today
Rizwan emerged as the top scorer for his side, crafting a patient 46 runs off 76 balls, adorned with four boundaries and a six. Salman, too, contributed significantly, scoring 45 runs from 65 balls, including a four and a six, before falling to Bracewell.
New Zealand’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, snatching wickets at crucial junctures to stifle any hopes of a resurgence from Pakistan. Tayyab Tahir added a brisk 38, while Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem Shah (19) combined for a vital 39 runs for the ninth wicket. O’Rourke capped off Pakistan’s innings by claiming the final wicket of Naseem, concluding the score at 242.
Smacked away for a maximum!@iNaseemShah steps out and strikes it with force 💪#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/AhGsXjxEgJ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 14, 2025
In the end, O’Rourke’s impressive figures of 4-43 highlighted his pivotal role, while Bracewell and Mitchell Santner each chipped in with two wickets, sealing the match for New Zealand.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke
