Black Caps clinch Tri-Nations title with win over Pakistan

New Zealand continued their dominant run in the Tri-Nations Series, securing a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final match held in Karachi on Friday evening.

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat but struggled early as Fakhar Zaman (10), Saud Shakeel (10), and Babar Azam (29) all fell within the first 10 overs, leaving the hosts at 54/3.

Once again, Pakistan found some stability through a crucial cricket partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45).

However, just as they appeared to be rebuilding, Will O’Rourke’s outstanding bowling performance (4/43) broke the stand at 88 runs by the end of the 32nd over.

From there, Pakistan’s innings unraveled, losing seven wickets for just 100 runs to be bowled out for 242.

New Zealand’s chase started with an early setback as opener Will Young departed for eight runs. However, a series of steady partnerships ensured the Black Caps remained in control.

Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) put on 71 runs for the second wicket, followed by a 32-run stand between Conway and Daryl Mitchell (57).

Mitchell then combined with Tom Latham (56) for an 87-run partnership, and finally, Latham and Glenn Phillips (20*) added another 37 runs.

Phillips and Michael Bracewell (1*) remained unbeaten, steering New Zealand to victory with five wickets in hand and 28 balls to spare.

“It feels great to get the win tonight,” Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner said after the match.

“Having different players step up at key moments is always important.

The conditions were slower than expected, so we just aimed to build pressure and take early wickets.”

The victory has also impacted the betting markets, with New Zealand’s odds of winning the upcoming Champions Trophy shortening from $9 to $8, according to Bovada.

They now sit fourth in the betting order behind India ($2.62), Australia ($5.50), and England ($7) with the top online betting sites.