New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI Tri-Series in PAK, 2025, Full Score Card
Final, National Stadium, Karachi, 14 Feb, 2025
Pakistan
PAK
242/10
(49.3) ov
New Zealand
NZ
243/5
(45.2) ov
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 5 wickets
Player Of The Match
Will O’Rourke,
New Zealand
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W Young lbw b N Shah |
5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 71.42 |
D Conway c A Ahmed b N Shah |
48 | 74 | 5 | 0 | 64.86 |
K Williamson b Salman Ali |
34 | 49 | 3 | 1 | 69.38 |
D Mitchell c & b A Ahmed |
57 | 58 | 6 | 0 | 98.27 |
T Latham c A Ahmed b S Afridi |
56 | 64 | 5 | 0 | 87.50 |
G Phillips not out | 20 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 117.64 |
M Bracewell not out | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.66 |
|
Extras
(b 1,lb 4,w 16,nb 0,Penalty 0) |
21 | ||||
|
Total
45.2 (RR: 5.36)
|
243/5 |
Did not bat: M Santner, N Smith, J Duffy, W O’Rourke
Fall of wickets:
(W Young, 1.2 ov) (K Williamson, 17.2 ov) (D Conway, 24.2 ov) (D Mitchell, 39 ov) (T Latham, 44.1 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S Afridi |
9 | 0 | 45 | 1 | 5.00 |
N Shah |
8 | 0 | 43 | 2 | 5.37 |
F Ashraf |
2.2 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 6.85 |
A Ahmed |
10 | 0 | 67 | 1 | 6.70 |
Salman Ali |
10 | 0 | 45 | 1 | 4.50 |
K Shah |
6 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 3.66 |
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
F Zaman c W Young b W O’Rourke |
10 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 66.66 |
B Azam c & b N Smith |
29 | 34 | 4 | 1 | 85.29 |
S Shakeel b M Bracewell |
8 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 57.14 |
M Rizwan b W O’Rourke |
46 | 76 | 4 | 1 | 60.52 |
Salman Ali c J Duffy b M Bracewell |
45 | 65 | 1 | 1 | 69.23 |
Tayyab Tahir c K Williamson b J Duffy |
38 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 115.15 |
K Shah c G Phillips b M Santner |
7 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 38.88 |
F Ashraf c M Santner b W O’Rourke |
22 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 104.76 |
S Afridi c W Young b M Santner |
1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
N Shah c M Bracewell b W O’Rourke |
19 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 111.76 |
A Ahmed not out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
|
Extras
(b 1,lb 5,w 9,nb 1,Penalty 0) |
16 | ||||
|
Total
49.3 (RR: 4.89)
|
242/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(F Zaman, 3.5 ov) (S Shakeel, 8.3 ov) (B Azam, 11.5 ov) (M Rizwan, 31.5 ov) (Salman Ali, 36.5 ov) (Tayyab Tahir, 41.5 ov) (K Shah, 43.1 ov) (S Afridi, 44 ov) (F Ashraf, 49.1 ov) (N Shah, 49.3 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J Duffy |
7 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 6.85 |
W O’Rourke |
9.3 | 0 | 43 | 4 | 4.52 |
M Bracewell |
10 | 1 | 38 | 2 | 3.80 |
N Smith |
7 | 0 | 46 | 1 | 6.57 |
M Santner |
10 | 1 | 20 | 2 | 2.00 |
G Phillips |
6 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 6.83 |
New Zealand • 243/5 (45.2 overs)
D Mitchell 57 (58)
T Latham 56 (64)
N Shah 2/43 (8)
Salman Ali 1/45 (10)
Pakistan • 242/10 (49.3 overs)
M Rizwan 46 (76)
Salman Ali 45 (65)
W O’Rourke 4/43 (9.3)
M Santner 2/20 (10)
Commentary
We are back with New Zealand's reply! The two umpires are making their way out to the centre and the Pakistan team are in a close-knit huddle alongside the ropes before spreading out in the field. Devon Conway and Will Young are the openers out for New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings in this final inning. Away we go.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a top-class performance, but their fielding let them down with a few dropped chances and misjudgments that they might come to regret. Will O’Rourke was the standout performer, ripping through the batting lineup with four wickets, while skipper Mitch Santner bowled a masterclass spell of 10 overs giving away just 20 runs, and getting two scalps. Michael Bracewell also chipped in with two wickets, keeping the pressure on throughout. While 243 isn’t an intimidating target, the pitch hasn’t been easy to bat on, which could make things interesting. Pakistan’s bowlers will back themselves to make a real contest out of this, but if the dew factor comes into play, New Zealand might chase this down comfortably. Stay tuned as the run chase is about to get underway in a bit!
Michael Bracewell, the birthday boy, is up for a quick chat. He says that the wicket looks pretty decent but it is also two paced. Adds that it is helping the spinners as well and hopes for the dew to come in later and the pitch to play better under lights. Mentions that it is a 'Hit the wicket' hard kind of a pitch. Further says that it will be pretty tough to keep the modern players guessing and there is so much power out there that it will be hard to contain. Concludes by saying that they are confident of chasing it down.
Muhammad Tayyab Tahir then injected some much-needed intent, something the rest of the batting lineup lacked with a brisk 38-run cameo. Just as Pakistan looked to seize momentum, another wicket fell, undoing their hard work once again. However, valuable lower-order contributions from Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah ensured Pakistan went down fighting, pushing the total closer to the 250-run mark. While it may not be a massive score, it certainly gives them something to bowl at, setting up an intriguing second innings.
Just when things looked bleak, Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Salman Ali came to the rescue, stitching together a resilient 88-run stand to stabilize the innings. However, New Zealand’s spinners offered no breathing room, making run-scoring a challenge despite both batters getting starts. At 122/3 after 30 overs, Pakistan were looking to push the tempo, but just as Rizwan was shifting gears, Will O’Rourke returned and struck to send him back. Soon after, Michael Bracewell removed Muhammad Salman Ali, dealing Pakistan another massive blow.
Pakistan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was always a gamble, especially with the looming threat of dew in the second innings, making a big total imperative. Babar Azam struggled to find his rhythm early, while Fakhar Zaman came out swinging, taking risks from the outset. However, Will O’Rourke’s relentless opening spell asked all the right questions, leading to Fakhar’s dismissal. That breakthrough triggered a mini-collapse, with Pakistan losing two more wickets within 12 overs, putting themselves under immense pressure.
An exceptional bowling effort from the Kiwis ensured Pakistan fell short of the 250-run mark, getting bowled out for 242 runs. It was nothing short of a complete team performance from New Zealand, who head into the break brimming with confidence, knowing they have a golden opportunity to chase down this total and seal the series.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, OUT! TAKEN! Will O’Rourke wraps things up with a four-fer! He goes fuller and on middle. Naseem Shah backs away and lofts it with a straight bat over the bowler's head. It looks like it is going over but Michael Bracewell from long on moves backwards and sideways to his left in and plucks it out of thin air. Pakistan have been bowled out for 242!
’Rourke to Abrar Ahmed, Short of a length and on middle, Abrar Ahmed swats it to long on for a single.
Abrar Ahmed is the last batter in for Pakistan.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Will O’Rourke gets his third! He serves this full and on middle, takes pace off. Faheem Ashraf looks to go big down the ground but fails to get the timing right as the ball hits him high on the bat. It flies in the air over mid on where Mitch Santner backtracks and takes a good catch. Finally, the Kiwis hold on to one here. Pakistan are 241/9 now! Can they reach the 250 mark here?
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 241/8
N Shah19 (16)
F Ashraf22 (20)
N Smith7-0-46-1
FOUR! Flayed! Short of a length, on off, Naseem Shah hops high and slices it off the outer half of the bat and over short third for a boundary. Crucial runs this!
Touch fuller and on middle, Faheem Ashraf lofts it on the bounce to long on for one.
DROPPED AGAIN! Would you believe it? Glenn Phillips has put down a catch. Bangs this one short and on middle, slower too. Faheem Ashraf goes through his pull early and mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket. Phillips runs to his right and tries to grab it with both hands. It goes through and then hits his thigh and pops up. He tries to take it while lying down but fails to do so. Two runs taken. Ashraf is living a charmed life here!
On a length and on middle, Naseem Shah flicks it to deep square leg for a run.
Back of a length and well outside off, Faheem Ashraf reaches for it and toe-ends it towards long off for a single.
FOUR! Fine shot! Short of a length and outside off. Faheem Ashraf frees his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary. Good start to the over for Pakistan!
Change from the other end too? Yes, Nathan Smith comes back. His figures are 6-0-33-1 so far.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 228/8
F Ashraf14 (16)
N Shah14 (14)
W O’Rourke9-0-42-2
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, Hits the length hard and on middle, angling in, Faheem Ashraf tries to pull but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, On a length but down the leg, Faheem Ashraf misses his flick. Wided.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, DROPPED AND FOUR! A rare sight! Will O’Rourke bangs this one into the pitch and around leg. Faheem Ashraf swivels and hooks but straight towards fine leg. Jacob Duffy tries to reverse cup it but takes it a bit casually. It pops up and rolls to the fence for a bodunary.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, Hard length and around off, Naseem Shah runs it down to third man again for another run.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, Good length and on off, Faheem Ashraf steers it to point for a run.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, Short of a length and around off, Naseem Shah guides it to third man for a single.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, Back of a length and on off, Naseem Shah dabs it to point.
Will O’Rourke (8-0-34-2) comes back into the attack.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 219/8
N Shah12 (11)
F Ashraf9 (13)
G Phillips6-0-41-0
Fires one full and on middle, Naseem Shah flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Flighted, full and on middle, Naseem Shah clips it to short mid-wicket.
SIX! Much-needed for Pakistan! Floated, full and on middle, angling in. Naseem Shah dances down the track and smacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Commentary
Right then, that is it from this ODI and Tri-Nation Series as well where New Zealand won all three matches. The trophy is now being handed over to the Kiw skipper, Mitch Santner, who joins his teammates to lift it together and pose for some pictures. Now, these two sides will meet again in the curtain-raiser of the 2025 Champions Trophy on 19th February, Wednesday. The first ball will be bowled at 9 am GMT, but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
Mitch Santner, the victorious skipper of New Zealand says that they ticked all the boxes before the Champions Trophy and different people stepped up and different times, for the team. Adds that the pitch was a little bit slower than they thought and was two-paced. Mentions that they tried to build pressure and take wickets up top and that would make it easier for the other guys to do the remaining job. Says that the powerplay is the best time to bat and get wickets and restricting runs in that phase is crucial. Concludes by saying that it is nice to have different guys firing before the tournament.
Muhammad Rizwan, the captain of Pakistan says they elected to bat first because they thought the pitch would play slowly in the second innings and it was like that but credit goes to Kiwi bowlers. Adds that they lost three wickets in the Powerplay and they were looking at something around 280 at first but then Santner and Bracewell bowled brilliantly, and they had to adjust and in the end, 10-15 runs more could have changed things. Mentions that he and Salman had to build a partnership, but he lost his wicket at the wrong time. Says they need to improve their fielding a lot, but Abrar has done well in recent times and looks like the best fielder in the side. Ends by saying that they will now need to learn from this and focus on the Champions Trophy.
Muhammad Salman Ali PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his all-around performance. He says he feels nice for the way he performed but isn't happy that the side couldn't win the game. Mentions that this is how the pitch will play here is Karachi and could be the case going ahead. Says it was a challenging wicket and his wicket came at the wrong time, or a total beyond 280-290 runs would have been a different game altogether.
Will O’Rourke is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent blowing display. He says that there was a nice breeze blowing across and that helped him push it across the left-handers. Adds that the wicket was a bit two-paced and he tried to whack it into the wicket and got different results. Says that it was holding a bit onto the surface. Mentions that the boys have been playing nicely and would like to take this momentum into the Champions Trophy.
Presentation Time...
Pakistan will be gutted with their bowling and fielding effort! Naseem Shah struck early and returned for another, while Muhammad Salman Ali and Abrar Ahmed chipped in, but they never built sustained pressure. The real damage, though, came in the field - too many dropped catches and sloppy moments proved costly. They’ll need to fix these issues fast before the bigger challenges ahead.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan put up a somewhat fighting total, thanks to solid knocks from Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Salman Ali, along with some late fireworks from the lower order. But New Zealand’s bowlers were on fire! The skipper led from the front with a brilliant spell, Michael Bracewell matched his impact, and Will O’Rourke stole the show with a superb four-wicket haul. Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy chipped in as well, ensuring Pakistan never got out of hand.
New Zealand made light work of the chase despite an early setback! Kane Williamson and Devon Conway laid a solid foundation before Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell took control, steering the ship with confidence. Mitchell’s fifty was vital, but he fell before the finish, as did Latham after a charmed knock. In the end, it was only fitting that Glenn Phillips, the star of the first game, sealed the deal or the Kiwis.
New Zealand reigns supreme in the Tri-Nation Series! They've been class apart, outplaying their opponents with dominance and flair. If this was a Champions Trophy audition, they've passed with flying colors and look like serious contenders. As for Pakistan, it's a reality check - plenty to fix before the big stage arrives!
WIDE! That will do it! New Zealand win by 5 wickets and clinch the Tri-Series remaining unbeaten. Faheem Ashraf goes way too short and over off, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone and remains unbeaten throughout the series.
Back of a length, on middle, Glenn Phillips looks to punch it through the off side but gets an inside edge to square leg region. The batters scamper a couple of runs. The fielder throws the ball back to the keeper who whips the bails off but Glenn Phillips dives to make it in. The third umpire is summoned to check and he confirms just that. Scores level now!
FOUR! New Zealand inch closer! Faheem Ashraf goes short and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips is late to pull and gets a top edge but it goes to the right of deep fine leg for a boundary. Just 3 more runs needed now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 236/5
G Phillips14 (15)
M Bracewell2 (3)
S Afridi9-0-45-1
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips helps it on its way to fine leg for one.
Digs it short and on off, Michael Bracewell neatly pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Hard length, into the pads, Glenn Phillips clips it to deep square leg for a single.
Short one again, on off, Michael Bracewell pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Short and on middle, Michael Bracewell ducks under it.
Michael Bracewell comes out to the middle.
OUT! CAUGHT! The luck finally runs out for Tom Latham! Shaheen Afridi finally gets his first wicket. Comes back into the attack and bangs it into the deck, on a back of a length, angling it into the batter. Tom Latham reads the length early and looks to pull it but is hurried a bit. The ball takes a top edge and goes high in front of deep backward square leg. Abrar Ahmed charges towards the ball and takes a solid catch sliding in front to his right.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 232/4
G Phillips12 (13)
T Latham56 (63)
A Ahmed10-0-67-1
Drops the length short and on off, Phillips cuts it to point. New Zealand just need 11 more runs now.
Looped up a bit, on off, Glenn Phillips blocks.
Full and on the pads, Tom Latham clips it to square leg for one.
Around middle and off, on a fuller length, Tom Latham mistimes his reverse sweep to short third.
WIDE! Sprayed full and down leg.
FOUR! Easy as it gets! Tossed up, on off, Tom Latham reverse sweeps it and beats short third to his right.
FIFTY FOR LATHAM! What a time to get amongst the runs. Although he had his fair share of luck, he made sure he kept going. Superb knock! This is full and on leg, Latham tickles it past short fine leg for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 224/4
G Phillips12 (11)
T Latham49 (59)
K Shah6-0-22-0
Fires it in, full and outside off, the ball keeps a tad low and Glenn Phillips misses on the cut shot.
Drifting into the pads, on a fuller length, Tom Latham flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Moves to 49!
Charges down the track to a full ball around off, and fails to turn it across. Gets hit on the front pad.
Nagging length, at the stumps, Tom Latham works it to mid-wicket.
Around off, on a fuller length, Glenn Phillips punches it to long on for a single.
Short and on middle, Tom Latham pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 221/4
G Phillips11 (9)
T Latham47 (55)
A Ahmed9-0-59-1
Short and on off, Glenn Phillips whips it to the left of deep mid-wicket for a couple more. New Zealand need 22 more runs off 48 balls.
Full, on off, Glenn Phillips looks to drive but gets an inside edge to fine leg for a couple of runs.
Full, on middle, Tom Latham reverse hits it to cover for one.
FOUR! Making it look very easy at the moment! Tossed up, on middle and leg, Tom Latham sweeps it square on the leg side and pierces the deep boundary riders to perfection.
Looped very full, on middle and leg, Tom Latham blocks it to cover.
FOUR! Nicely done! Tossed full, on off, Tom Latham reverse sweeps it past short third to his right for a boundary.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 208/4
T Latham38 (51)
G Phillips7 (7)
K Shah5-0-19-0
Angling into the pads, fuller in length, Latham tickles it to fine leg for a single.
Full, on middle, Tom Latham taps it back to the bowler.
Pushed through full, on off, Phillips works it to long on for a single.
Darted full, slanting into leg, Glenn Phillips looks to sweep but misses. The ball goes off his pads to fine leg for a couple of leg byes.
Tossed up, very full, on off, Glenn Phillips eases it to cover.
Full, on off, Glenn Phillips pushes it to mid off.
End of Powerplay 2! Pakistan can now have five fielders outside the circle but they may keep them close in to put some pressure on the batters.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 204/4
G Phillips6 (3)
T Latham37 (49)
N Shah8-0-43-2
Short of a length and on middle, Glenn Phillips pulls it through square leg for one.
FOUR! Gets it away! Overpitched and on off, Glenn Phillips drives it away with sublime timing wide of mid off for a boundary. 200 up for New Zealand now!
Fuller and on leg, Tom Latham clips it through mid-wicket for a run.
On a length and on middle, Tom Latham pats it to the left of the bowler.
Fuller and on middle, Glenn Phillips knocks it towards mid on for a single.
A bouncer but too high on off, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone. Wided.
Back of a length and around off, Tom Latham guides it through point for a single.
Glenn Phillips walks out to bat next for New Zealand. He is yet to be dismissed in this series. Stayed unbeaten in both the previous games for the Kiwis.
Runs Scored 14 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 195/4
D Mitchell57 (58)
T Latham35 (46)
A Ahmed8-0-46-1
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Abrar Ahmed gets his man but the damage is already done here. He gives this one some more air, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell smacks it down the pitch but hits it aerially. Abrar on his follow-through sticks his right hand out to stop the momentum of the ball and then grabs it with both hands. Mitchell cannot believe it but he has to walk back after a fine fifty. He will be disappointed not to be out there til the end.
FOUR! The broom is out once more! Loopy, full and on middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell this time sweeps it behind square on the leg side for four more runs.
FOUR! FIFTY FOR MITCHELL! His 7th half-century in ODIs and this has been a fine knock from the Kiwi. Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell once again sweeps it nicely in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.
Floated, full and on middle, Tom Latham swipes it to square leg where Babar Azam lets it through for a run. That sums up this game for Pakistan!
Flatter, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell sweeps again to deep square leg for a single.
FOUR! Excellent stroke! Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes down on one knee and executes the sweep nicely to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 181/3
D Mitchell44 (53)
T Latham34 (45)
N Shah7-0-34-2
Bangs it hard into the pitch, on middle, Daryl Mitchell gets a bit hurried and swats it towards mid on for one more. New Zealand need 62 runs in 72 balls now!
Pitched up and on off, Tom Latham pushes it in front of short covers for one.
Slower one, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell drills it to long on for another run.
On a length and on middle, Tom Latham nudges it towards mid-wicket for a quick run.
Back of a length and angling into leg, Daryl Mitchell flicks it through square leg for a single.
Fuller and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell clips it towards deep square leg for a single. A fumble there allows the second. Sloppy again from the hosts.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 174/3
T Latham32 (43)
D Mitchell39 (49)
A Ahmed7-0-32-0
Looped up, full and on middle, Tom Latham knocks it back to the bowler.
Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell uses his feet but scuffs his lofted shot on the bounce to long on for one more.
Floated, full and on leg, Tom Latham paddles it to short fine for a quick one.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
Short again and on leg, Tom Latham flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a run.
Short and around off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through covers for a single.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 169/3
T Latham30 (40)
D Mitchell36 (46)
S Afridi8-0-41-0
Hits the length hard and on off, Tom Latham dabs it to point.
Short again and on off, Daryl Mitchell pulls it through mid-wickdt for one.
Hard length and on off, Tom Latham stabs it through point for a run. Daryl Mitchell wants the second but is sent back just in time.
Back of a length and around off, Daryl Mitchell punches it through covers for a single.
FOUR! Up and over! Shaheen Afridi bangs this one into the pitch and on off, slower too. Daryl Mitchell opens up his body to free his arms and swats it over mid on for a boundary.
Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 160/3
T Latham29 (38)
D Mitchell28 (42)
A Ahmed6-0-27-0
Short again, on leg, Tom Latham keeps it out to the leg side.
Short and on off, Tom Latham punches it wide of mid off.
Flighted, full and on leg, Tom Latham clips it to short fine.
A bit short and on leg, turns in, Tom Latham leaves it alone. Wided.
DROPPED! Another chance goes down! Flighted, full and on leg, Tom Latham goes down and sweeps it but fails to keep it down. Saud Shakeel at square leg spills an easy chance. Two runs taken. Also, the 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.
Floated, full and on middle, Tom Latham looks to reverse paddle it but hits it from the back of his bat towards point.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it through square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 156/3
T Latham27 (33)
D Mitchell27 (41)
S Afridi7-0-32-0
Overpitched and on off, Tom Latham taps it to short covers.
FOUR! Salt to the wounds! Back of a length and a little outside off, Tom Latham looks to guide it away but gets an outside edge to the third man fence for a boundary.
A huge appeal for caught behind, and up goes the finger! However, Tom Latham takes the review straight away. Shaheen Afridi lands this one on a hard length and just around off, nips back in a bit. Tom Latham looks to push at it but misses as the ball goes past the outside edge behind to Muhammad Rizwan. However, the replay shows that the bat clipped the pad, and UltraEdge confirms no bat involved. Good review for the Kiwis!
FOUR! Great shot! Overpitched and on off, Tom Latham strides out and drives it crisply onto the ground. The bounce takes it over the cover fielder and it races to the fence for a boundary.
Full again and on middle, angling in, Tom Latham clips it towards deep square leg for a brace.
Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell backs away to loft it but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket for a single.
Drinks! With 98 runs needed in 102 balls, the match remains evenly poised, but New Zealand’s steady partnership has given them a slight advantage at this stage. While Pakistan have created chances, their inability to capitalize on them might come back to haunt them later. Run-scoring hasn’t been easy, and with no real signs of dew yet, the Kiwis will be hoping conditions ease up a bit. Pakistan, on the other hand, need a breakthrough soon to shift the momentum back in their favour. A crucial phase of play awaits!
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 145/3
T Latham17 (28)
D Mitchell26 (40)
A Ahmed5-0-23-0
Looped up, full and on off, Tom Latham goes down across to sweep but misses and gets hit high on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.
Tossed up, full and around off, Daryl Mitchell drags his sweep to deep square leg for a run.
Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short mid-wicket.
Flighted, full and on middle, Tom Latham paddles it to fine leg for a single.
Floated, short and on leg, turns in with bounce, Tom Latham misses his flick.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Tom Latham turns it to the leg side.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 143/3
T Latham16 (24)
D Mitchell25 (38)
S Afridi6-0-21-0
Another full delivery, on off, Tom Latham drills it through cover-point for one.
DROPPED! A big chance goes begging! Overpitched and on middle, Tom Latham plays it with a straight bat but this one sticks to the surface a bit. The ball hits the upper part of the bat and loops back to the bowler where Shaheen Afridi gets both hands on it to his left but spills it out. The ball rolls and hits the stumps at the bowler's end but Mitchell is in.
Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
Pitched up and around off, Tom Latham drives it through covers for a single.
Full again and on off, Tom Latham knocks it towards mid off.
Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Tom Latham blocks it out.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 140/3
D Mitchell24 (37)
T Latham14 (19)
A Ahmed4-0-21-0
Quicker, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell drills it to mid on.
FOUR! Fine shot! Flighted, full and on middle. Daryl Mitchell goes down on one knee and absolutely nails the sweep to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.
Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Tom Latham looks to sweep but misses and the ball goes off his pads towards point. They cross. There is an appeal for LBW, but turned down. Muhammad Rizwan does not take the review. However, the umpire gives it as runs. Maybe an inside edge. Oh..wow! The Ball Tracking after the over shows three reds on that one. A missed opportunity for Pakistan!
A bit short and on middle, Tom Latham flicks it towards mid-wicket where Muhammad Salman Ali dives to his left to make a fine stop.
Floated, full and on leg, Tom Latham goes down and paddles sweeps it. Muhammad Rizwan moves early to his right and almost stops it but just lets it through for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 133/3
D Mitchell20 (34)
T Latham11 (16)
Salman Ali10-0-45-1
Tossed up on off. Daryl Mitchell opens his face of the bat to tap it towards short cover.
Floated up on middle. Daryl Mitchell lunges forward to work it away mid-wicket.
Fired in full and outside off. Daryl Mitchell attempts a reverse sweep but misses. Goes very close to the gloves and the off peg as well.
FOUR! Shaheen Afridi makes a massive misfield in the deep. Fired in full and on middle. Daryl Mitchell paddles it fine towards deep fine leg fence for a boundary.
On a good length, on middle. Daryl Mitchell tucks it towards mid-wicket.
WIDE! Fired down leg in anticipation. Daryl Mitchell looks to paddle but misses. WIDED!
Full and on off. Tom Latham stands tall to tuck it towards wide of short fine for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 127/3
D Mitchell16 (29)
T Latham10 (15)
N Shah6-0-27-2
Back of a length, angling in. Daryl Mitchell looks to tuck it but lets it go through. Could have been a wide but isn't.
Back of a length, on leg stump. Tom Latham glances it down towards deep fine leg for a single.
Banged in short and angled in towards the batter. Daryl Mitchell pulls it uppishly towards backward square leg as he is hurried on. They take a single.
Back of a length outside off. Tom Latham dabs it towards deep third man for a single.
Banged in short and angled towards the batter. Tom Latham lets it go through. A mouthful from Naseem Shah as well.
Brilliant fielding there at point. Back of a length, on off, angling across. Tom Latham punches it off the back foot to left of point. The fielder there puts in the dive to stop that one and saves four runs.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 124/3
T Latham8 (11)
D Mitchell15 (27)
Salman Ali9-0-39-1
On a good length outside off. Tom Latham rocks forward to push it towards long off for a single.
Full and on middle stump. Daryl Mitchell lets it come to him and tucks it towards backward square leg for a single.
Slight appeal but nothing doing there. Full and on middle. Tom Latham lunges forward as it takes the inside edge and goes towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Full and on middle. Tom Latham defends it towards mid-wicket.
Fired in full and on middle. Daryl Mitchell lunges forward to paddle it towards short fine leg for a single.
On a good length, outside off. Daryl Mitchell punches it short mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 120/3
D Mitchell13 (24)
T Latham6 (8)
N Shah5-0-24-2
Goes full this time and on off stump, nips in slightly. Daryl Mitchell up to the task to flick it towards deep square leg for a single.
Banged in way too and angled in towards the batter. Daryl Mitchell ducks underneath it to let it go through.
Pulls his length back a bit, on off, angling across. Tom Latham pokes at it as it takes the outside edge and goes towards deep backward point for a single.
On a good length, and outside off, angling across. Tom Latham gets his head over the ball and taps it back down, underneath his eyes.
Beaten! Full and outside off, nips away. Tom Latham prods at it as it zips past the outside edge.
On a good length, angling across, outside off. Tom Latham pushes it towards cover.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 118/3
D Mitchell12 (22)
T Latham5 (4)
Salman Ali8-0-35-1
Oh, turn and bounce there. Goes full and outside off, turning in and takes off. Daryl Mitchell looks to prod at it on the front foot but it takes him by surprise. He adjusts well to get it back down.
Floated up on leg stump, turns in further. Daryl Mitchell looks to flick but misses. WIDED!
Fuller again and outside off. Tom Latham drives it towards long off for another single.
Floated up outside off. Tom Latham lunges forward to drive it towards wide of sweeper cover for a brace.
On a good length and on off. Daryl Mitchell punches it towards long on for a single.
Fuller and on the off stump. Daryl Mitchell rocks back to punch it towards mid-wicket.
Muhammad Salman Ali comes into the attack. Goes full and on off. Daryl Mitchell flicks it towards mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 113/3
D Mitchell11 (18)
T Latham2 (2)
N Shah4-0-22-2
Fuller and on middle, nips in. Daryl Mitchell shuffles across to tuck it towards deep square leg for a single.
On a good length, and outside off, angling across. Tom Latham opens his face of the bat to run it down towards deep third man for a single.
Fuller and outside off. Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards deep point for a single.
On a good length, but way down leg. Daryl Mitchell lets it go through.
Full and outside off, angling across. Tom Latham prods at it as it takes the outside edge and goes towards deep third man for a single.
Tom Latham is the next man in.
OUT! IN THE AIR...AND CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Naseem Shah was brought on to provide and wicket for Pakistan and he does just that. Coming from around the stumps, goes back of a length, outside off, seams in towards the batter. Devon Conway looks to take it on, swivels and looks to pull it over deep backward square leg. Instead, it takes the top edge and flies towards Abrar Ahmed at deep square leg, who runs in a couple of steps and puts in the dive to take that one. A brilliant one that. Naseem Shah bags the prized scalp of Devon Conway.
Coming from over the stumps, bowls it just back of a length, and on middle. Daryl Mitchell shuffles across to tuck it towards fine leg but misses his flick. The ball ricochets off his back pad towards deep fine leg for a single.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 107/2
D Conway48 (73)
D Mitchell9 (15)
Salman Ali7-0-30-1
Fuller and outside off, goes straight on. Devon Conway stays back to cut it towards deep backward point for a brace.
Fired in full and outside off. Devon Conway chops it towards point.
WIDE! Fired in full and on leg stump. Devon Conway looks to flick but misses.
FOUR! EDGED AND FOUR! Quicker and fuller on off. Devon Conway prods at it as it takes the outside edge and runs down towards deep third man for a boundary.
Fired in full and on off stump. Devon Conway attempts a half reverse sweep and somehow manages to keep it out.
Floated up outside off. Devon Conway drives it towards cover.
Coming from over the stumps, goes full and on off stump. Daryl Mitchell gets down low to work it towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 99/2
D Conway42 (68)
D Mitchell8 (14)
K Shah4-0-17-0
Fuller and on off stump. Devon Conway punches it towards mid on.
Goes full and on middle stump. Devon Conway looks to reverse sweep it but towards ends it back to the bowler.
Full and on off stump. Devon Conway lunges forward to defend.
On a good length, on middle. Devon Conway stays back to defend it back down.
WIDE! Fired down leg. Devon Conway looks to flick but misses. WIDED!
Darted in on middle, goes straight on. Devon Conway stays back inside and lets it come towards him to flick it fine towards deep fine leg for a brace.
FOUR! THUMPED! Goes short and wide outside off. Devon Conway rocks back to slap it towards sweeper cover for a boundary.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 92/2
D Mitchell8 (14)
D Conway36 (62)
Salman Ali6-0-22-1
Fuller and on middle. Daryl Mitchell leans on to work it towards mid-wicket.
Fired down on leg. Daryl Mitchell stands tall to pull it away towards deep fine leg for a brace. Faheem Ashraf puts in the slide to keep the batters down to a couple.
Full and on middle. Daryl Mitchell tucks it towards square leg.
Fuller and on middle. Devon Conway goes back to punch it towards long on for a single.
Does it again but nothing again. Goes full and outside off. Devon Conway chops it towards point.
Floated up outside off. Devon Conway rocks back to cut it straight to point.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 89/2
D Mitchell6 (11)
D Conway35 (59)
K Shah3-0-10-0
Slower through the air, on off stump. Daryl Mitchell pushes it back towards the bowler.
Slowed down on leg stump. Devon Conway stays back to tuck it towards square leg for another single.
On a good length, on middle, goes straight on. Daryl Mitchell flicks it off his legs towards square leg for a single.
Fired in on middle. Devon Conway stays back for this one and tucks it towards short fine leg for a single.
Floated up outside off. Devon Conway steps down the track to pad it away.
Full and outside off. Daryl Mitchell leans on to drive it towards sweeper cover for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 85/2
D Mitchell4 (8)
D Conway33 (56)
Salman Ali5-0-19-1
Full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell nudges it to mid-wicket and takes a quick run.
Full, at the stumps, Conway drives it to long on and picks a run.
Looped up, on off, slower through the air, Devon Conway eases it back to the bowler.
Tap and run. Floated full, around off, Daryl Mitchell drops it in front of point and scampers a quick single.
Tossed up, on middle, Devon Conway reverse sweeps it to point and gets a single.
Flatter in trajectory, full, on off, Devon Conway pushes it to cover.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 81/2
D Mitchell2 (6)
D Conway31 (52)
K Shah2-0-6-0
Full, on off, Daryl Mitchell makes a block.
Short and on middle, Devon Conway punches it straight down the ground for one.
Drifting into the pads, on a length, Devon Conway turns it to square leg.
Looped up, on off, Mitchell drives it to cover for a single.
Floated full, around off, Daryl Mitchell blocks.
Full, on off, Devon Conway drives it to long on for one.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 78/2
D Mitchell1 (3)
D Conway29 (49)
Salman Ali4-0-15-1
Short and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell clips it to square leg.
Tossed up, on middle, Daryl Mitchell tucks it to short mid-wicket.
Full, on off, Devon Conway punches it to long on for one.
Full, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across and scoops it off the top edge and just about manages to get it over the leap of Muhammad Rizwan the keeper for a single.
Daryl Mitchell comes out to the middle now.
OUT! TIMBER! Kane Williamson is outfoxed and Muhammad Salman Ali gets a much-needed breakthrough for Pakistan at the right time. Slows it up and keeps it short, around middle and off, Kane Williamson shimmies down the track and looks to hoick it across the line but is deceived in flight. The ball keeps a bit low as well and goes under his bat to hit the middle stump. The 71-run stand is finally broken and New Zealand are 76/2!
Fires it full and outside off, Devon Conway looks to reach for it but misses. The ball bounces a bit too much and evades the keeper to his right. The batters take a bye.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 75/1
D Conway28 (47)
K Williamson34 (48)
K Shah1-0-3-0
Flighted full, on off, Devon Conway drives it to long on and picks a single.
Conway steps out to this full ball and manages to get some bat as he pushes it to mid off.
Looped full, around off, Devon Conway blocks.
Quicker this time, on middle and leg, fuller in length, Kane Williamson pushes it to mid off and takes a single.
Full, on off, a bit more flight, Kane Williamson works it to mid off.
Starts off with a full ball going down leg, Devon Conway clips it to fine leg for a single.
Drinks! New Zealand have done the build-up work pretty well after losing an early wicket, in the form of Kane Williamson and Devon Conway. They have put on 67 runs for the second wicket. Although a couple of short chances have gone begging early on but that hasn't shaken the run-scoring, getting in those singles and doubles and an odd boundary at regular intervals. The target at this point for the New Zealand batters seems like a walk in the park. The only way Pakistan can pull this game back in their favour is by starting to take wickets and not letting the New Zealand batters settle in and then to set it off, Pakistan needs to break this partnership first and then keep taking wickets at regular intervals to make a game out of it. Dew is going to be a major factor and New Zealand will look to take full advantage and run towards the target rapidly!
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 72/1
K Williamson33 (46)
D Conway26 (43)
Salman Ali3-0-13-0
Full, on off, Kane Williamson punches it to mid on.
A huge should for LBW but is turned down by the umpire. Muhammad Rizwan has a chat with the bowler and decides to send it upstairs for a review. Muhammad Salman Ali lands it short and on middle and leg, going on with the arm. Kane Williamson rocks back to pull but the ball stays low to scoot under his bat and hit the pad. There is nothing on UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking confirms the ball to be missing leg stump. Pakistan lose a review.
Nagging length, at the stumps, Kane Williamson stays behind the line and works it to mid on.
Steps out and taps this full ball to long on for one.
Flighted full, around off, Devon Conway miscues his drive to point.
Tosses it nice and full, at the stumps, Conway stabs it down the deck.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 71/1
D Conway25 (40)
K Williamson33 (43)
A Ahmed3-0-14-0
Fired in full, on middle and leg, Devon Conway tickles it to short fine leg for a single. 8 runs off this over.
FOUR! Runs are coming quickly now for the Kiwis! A bit short and on middle and off, Devon Conway caresses it through covers for a boundary.
Full, just outside off, Kane Williamson eases the drive to deep cover for a single.
Tossed up, on off, Kane Williamson blocks.
Sloppy fielding! Short and on off, Kane Williamson steers it to short third and the batters take a single after a slight hesitation halfway through it. The fielder throws the ball wayward from the bowler and allows the batters to take another run.
Full, on off, Kane Williamson punches it straight back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 63/1
D Conway20 (38)
K Williamson30 (39)
Salman Ali2-0-12-0
Short and on middle and leg, Devon Conway looks to work it through the leg side but misses high onto his pads. 10 runs off that over!
FOUR! Nicely done! Quicker through the air and wider outside off, Devon Conway plays late as he cuts it past backward point to his right for a boundary.
Short and on middle, Kane Williamson punches it to long on and takes a single.
FOUR! Sublime timing! Tossed up, around off, Kane Williamson steps out, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. Also brings up the 50-run stand between the two batters.
Full, on middle, Kane Williamson pushes it back to the bowler.
Tossed up, around off, Devon Conway taps it square on the off side for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 53/1
K Williamson25 (36)
D Conway15 (35)
A Ahmed2-0-6-0
Full, on middle and leg, Kane Williamson taps it to short mid-wicket.
Floated full, on off, Williamson keeps it out with soft hands.
Full, attacking the stumps, Kane Williamson taps it back to the bowler.
Short and on middle and leg, Conway knocks it to long on and rotates the strike over.
Pushed through, quicker, full and on the pads, Kane Williamson goes deep in the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Drops it short and on off, Kane Williamson cuts hard but straight to point.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 51/1
D Conway14 (34)
K Williamson24 (31)
Salman Ali1-0-2-0
Slanting in, full and at the stumps, Devon Conway blocks.
Quicker one, full and on off, Devon Conway cuts it to point.
Tossed up, on off, Devon Conway pushes it to cover with a good stride out.
Short around middle and off, Conway cuts it to point.
Slower through the air, full and at the stumps, Williamson punches it to long on for a single.
Comes into the attack and lands it full, on middle and off, Devon Conway drives it to deep cover for one. 50 up for New Zealand!
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 49/1
D Conway13 (29)
K Williamson23 (30)
A Ahmed1-0-4-0
Serves the wrong'un, short and outside off, Devon Conway hangs back and slaps it to deep point for one.
Looped full, at the stumps, Kane Williamson pushes it to long on and picks up a single.
Short, around off, Conway punches it to long off for a single.
Turns it in a bit, on a fuller length, on middle and leg, Devon Conway tucks it to square leg.
Goes full again, and offers a bit more flight, on off, Kane Williamson eases it out to deep cover for one.
Starts with a full one, on off, Kane Williamson taps it to cover.
End of Powerplay 1! Pakistan are now allowed up to 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 45/1
K Williamson21 (27)
D Conway11 (26)
S Afridi5-0-18-0
Yet another bouncer, on middle, but a lot quicker. Kane Williamson gets hurried and mistimes his pull through square leg for one.
FOUR! Put away! Shaheen Afridi tries the short ball but this one sits up nicely for the batter. Kane Williamson gets on top of the bounce and heaves it to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.
A bouncer but down the leg side, Kane Williamson lets it go. Wided.
Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Kane Williamson pulls it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
Short of a length and on middle, Devon Conway swats it wide of mid-wicket. The fielder dives to his right and gets a hand on it to make a half-stop. A single is taken.
Back of a length and on off, Devon Conway dabs it wide of first slip.
A low full toss, on middle, Devon Conway drills it hard down the pitch but unfortunately for him, it hits the stumps at the non-striker's end. Certainly, a boundary saved!
Change? No, Shaheen Afridi to continue!
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 36/1
K Williamson14 (24)
D Conway10 (23)
F Ashraf2-0-9-0
On a length and on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it to short mid-wicket.
SIX! BANG! First one of the chase! Faheem Ashraf bangs this into the pitch and angling down the leg. Kane Williamson picks it up nicely and heaves it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
A bit fuller and around off, Kane Williamson uses his feet and drills it really hard but straight towards point.
Hard length and on leg, Devon Conway uses his feet but gets cramped up and works it square leg for a single.
Fuller one and on middle, Devon Conway taps it to short covers.
Back of a length and around off, angling away, Devon Conway looks to cut but misses.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 29/1
K Williamson8 (21)
D Conway9 (20)
S Afridi4-0-9-0
Short of a length and on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it in front of short mid-wicket. Just one off the over!
Pitched up and on off, Kane Williamson knocks it down the pitch.
Length again and on middle and off, Kane Williamson keeps it out well.
Good length and on middle, angling away, Kane Williamson blocks it out.
Full again and on off, Kane Williamson drives it to short covers.
Fuller and on off, shaping in, Devon Conway looks to push it away but gets an inside edge to deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 28/1
K Williamson8 (16)
D Conway8 (19)
F Ashraf1-0-2-0
Bangs it into the pitch and outside off, Kane Williamson looks to cut but chops it down to the off side.
Length again and around off, Devon Conway runs it down to third man for a run.
Good length and on off, Kane Williamson stabs it to the right of point for a single.
Short of a length and on off, Kane Williamson punches it to short covers.
Back of a length and on middle, Kane Williamson pats it to mid on.
Fuller one and outside off, holds its line, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.
Faheem Ashraf comes in as the first change.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 26/1
D Conway7 (18)
K Williamson7 (11)
N Shah3-0-17-1
Good length and on middle, Devon Conway guides it to point.
FOUR! Streaky! Overpitched and around off, angling away. Devon Conway looks to drive but is a bit late. The ball goes off the toe-end of the bat past first slip for another boundary.
Bangs it into the pitch and around off, Kane Williamson swipes it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for a single.
Back of a length and just outside off, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.
FOUR! Lovely shot! Fuller one and on off, shapes away again. Kane Williamson opens the face of his bat and drives it beautifully past point for his first boundary of the game.
BEAUTY! Hard length and in that channel outside off, takes off a bit and shapes away. Kane Williamson looks to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 17/1
D Conway3 (16)
K Williamson2 (7)
S Afridi3-0-8-0
Short of a length and around off, Devon Conway punches it straight to cover-point.
Fullish delivery, on middle, angling in, Devon Conway knocks it back to the bowler.
Pitches it up, on off, shaping in sharply, Devon Conway looks to drive but gets an inside edge through square leg for a brace.
Back of a length and on middle, Devon Conway pats it down to the off side.
Hard length and on off, shapes away a bit, Devon Conway guides it to point.
Good length and on middle, nips back in, Devon Conway pats it to short mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 15/1
D Conway1 (10)
K Williamson2 (7)
N Shah2-0-8-1
Pitched up and on the pads, Devon Conway whips it towards fine leg for a run. Finally gets off the mark.
FIVE WIDES! Naseem Shah loses his line again and bowls this on a length but way down the leg. Devon Conway misses his flick and Muhammad Rizwan behind the stumps dives to his right but only manage to parry it behind.. The ball trickles to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Devon Conway keeps it out down the pitch. He has faced 9 balls but is yet to get off the mark.
Pitches it up but on leg, shapes in too, Devon Conway misses his flick. Wided.
Oh..that's a jaffa! Good length and on middle, threatens to shape in but holds its line. Devon Conway gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge.
On a length and on off, Devon Conway guides it to point.
Full again and on middle, Devon Conway blocks it out as the ball rolls towards short covers.
Fuller one and on leg, shaping in, Devon Conway tucks it to short mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 8/1
K Williamson2 (7)
D Conway0 (4)
S Afridi2-0-6-0
Overpitched and on off, Kane Williamson knocks it towards mid off.
Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it back towards the bowler.
Pitched up and on middle, Kane Williamson drills it to mid on.
Another massive shout for LBW, but not given this time! Hits the length hard again, on middle, jags back in sharply. Devon Conway looks to play but misses and gets hit on the pads as it deflects towards short third. A leg bye is taken. Pakistan discusses but decides against the review.
Hard length and on off, angles in, Devon Conway pats it towards point.
Good length and on off, Kane Williamson runs it down to third man for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 6/1
D Conway0 (2)
K Williamson1 (3)
N Shah1-0-1-1
Hard length and on off, nips back in a bit, Devon Conway keeps it out to the off side.
Short of a length and around off, Kane Williamson guides it to deep point for a single.
Fuller again and outside off, swings further away, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.
Touch fuller and on middle, Kane Williamson stays back and blocks it out.
Kane Williamson walks in at number 3 for New Zealand.
OUT! LBW! Naseem Shah draws first blood! A massive appeal from the entire stadium, and up goes the finger! However, Shah does not look that confident here. He bowls this one on a hard length and on middle, nips back in sharply. Will Young hops up to work it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads. It looks to be going over. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows it to just clipping the top of the leg stump and turns out to be 'Umpire's call'. Young is not happy but has to walk back. The crowd is ecstatic!
BEATEN! Naseem Shah begins with a good-length delivery around off, shaping away, Will Young slashes at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Who will bowl with the other new ball? It will be Naseem Shah to share the attack.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 5/0
D Conway0 (1)
W Young5 (5)
S Afridi1-0-5-0
Length again and on off, Devon Conway guides it to point.
On a length and just outside off, angling away, Will Young is late to take his bat away and it goes off the face towards third man for a single.
Oh..close! Shaheen Afridi nails the inswinging yorker, on middle, Will Young does well to dig it out.
Goes fuller again and on middle, shaping in, Will Young knocks it towards mid on.
Good length and just outside off, Will Young stabs it to point.
FOUR! New Zealand gets underway in style! Shaheen Afridi starts with a fuller one and on off, no swing. Will Young strides out and just pushes at it. He times it beautifully through covers for the first boundary of the chase,
Commentary
We are back with New Zealand's reply! The two umpires are making their way out to the centre and the Pakistan team are in a close-knit huddle alongside the ropes before spreading out in the field. Devon Conway and Will Young are the openers out for New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings in this final inning. Away we go.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a top-class performance, but their fielding let them down with a few dropped chances and misjudgments that they might come to regret. Will O’Rourke was the standout performer, ripping through the batting lineup with four wickets, while skipper Mitch Santner bowled a masterclass spell of 10 overs giving away just 20 runs, and getting two scalps. Michael Bracewell also chipped in with two wickets, keeping the pressure on throughout. While 243 isn’t an intimidating target, the pitch hasn’t been easy to bat on, which could make things interesting. Pakistan’s bowlers will back themselves to make a real contest out of this, but if the dew factor comes into play, New Zealand might chase this down comfortably. Stay tuned as the run chase is about to get underway in a bit!
Michael Bracewell, the birthday boy, is up for a quick chat. He says that the wicket looks pretty decent but it is also two paced. Adds that it is helping the spinners as well and hopes for the dew to come in later and the pitch to play better under lights. Mentions that it is a 'Hit the wicket' hard kind of a pitch. Further says that it will be pretty tough to keep the modern players guessing and there is so much power out there that it will be hard to contain. Concludes by saying that they are confident of chasing it down.
Muhammad Tayyab Tahir then injected some much-needed intent, something the rest of the batting lineup lacked with a brisk 38-run cameo. Just as Pakistan looked to seize momentum, another wicket fell, undoing their hard work once again. However, valuable lower-order contributions from Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah ensured Pakistan went down fighting, pushing the total closer to the 250-run mark. While it may not be a massive score, it certainly gives them something to bowl at, setting up an intriguing second innings.
Just when things looked bleak, Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Salman Ali came to the rescue, stitching together a resilient 88-run stand to stabilize the innings. However, New Zealand’s spinners offered no breathing room, making run-scoring a challenge despite both batters getting starts. At 122/3 after 30 overs, Pakistan were looking to push the tempo, but just as Rizwan was shifting gears, Will O’Rourke returned and struck to send him back. Soon after, Michael Bracewell removed Muhammad Salman Ali, dealing Pakistan another massive blow.
Pakistan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was always a gamble, especially with the looming threat of dew in the second innings, making a big total imperative. Babar Azam struggled to find his rhythm early, while Fakhar Zaman came out swinging, taking risks from the outset. However, Will O’Rourke’s relentless opening spell asked all the right questions, leading to Fakhar’s dismissal. That breakthrough triggered a mini-collapse, with Pakistan losing two more wickets within 12 overs, putting themselves under immense pressure.
An exceptional bowling effort from the Kiwis ensured Pakistan fell short of the 250-run mark, getting bowled out for 242 runs. It was nothing short of a complete team performance from New Zealand, who head into the break brimming with confidence, knowing they have a golden opportunity to chase down this total and seal the series.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, OUT! TAKEN! Will O’Rourke wraps things up with a four-fer! He goes fuller and on middle. Naseem Shah backs away and lofts it with a straight bat over the bowler's head. It looks like it is going over but Michael Bracewell from long on moves backwards and sideways to his left in and plucks it out of thin air. Pakistan have been bowled out for 242!
’Rourke to Abrar Ahmed, Short of a length and on middle, Abrar Ahmed swats it to long on for a single.
Abrar Ahmed is the last batter in for Pakistan.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Will O’Rourke gets his third! He serves this full and on middle, takes pace off. Faheem Ashraf looks to go big down the ground but fails to get the timing right as the ball hits him high on the bat. It flies in the air over mid on where Mitch Santner backtracks and takes a good catch. Finally, the Kiwis hold on to one here. Pakistan are 241/9 now! Can they reach the 250 mark here?
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 241/8
N Shah19 (16)
F Ashraf22 (20)
N Smith7-0-46-1
FOUR! Flayed! Short of a length, on off, Naseem Shah hops high and slices it off the outer half of the bat and over short third for a boundary. Crucial runs this!
Touch fuller and on middle, Faheem Ashraf lofts it on the bounce to long on for one.
DROPPED AGAIN! Would you believe it? Glenn Phillips has put down a catch. Bangs this one short and on middle, slower too. Faheem Ashraf goes through his pull early and mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket. Phillips runs to his right and tries to grab it with both hands. It goes through and then hits his thigh and pops up. He tries to take it while lying down but fails to do so. Two runs taken. Ashraf is living a charmed life here!
On a length and on middle, Naseem Shah flicks it to deep square leg for a run.
Back of a length and well outside off, Faheem Ashraf reaches for it and toe-ends it towards long off for a single.
FOUR! Fine shot! Short of a length and outside off. Faheem Ashraf frees his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary. Good start to the over for Pakistan!
Change from the other end too? Yes, Nathan Smith comes back. His figures are 6-0-33-1 so far.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 228/8
F Ashraf14 (16)
N Shah14 (14)
W O’Rourke9-0-42-2
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, Hits the length hard and on middle, angling in, Faheem Ashraf tries to pull but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, On a length but down the leg, Faheem Ashraf misses his flick. Wided.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, DROPPED AND FOUR! A rare sight! Will O’Rourke bangs this one into the pitch and around leg. Faheem Ashraf swivels and hooks but straight towards fine leg. Jacob Duffy tries to reverse cup it but takes it a bit casually. It pops up and rolls to the fence for a bodunary.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, Hard length and around off, Naseem Shah runs it down to third man again for another run.
’Rourke to Faheem Ashraf, Good length and on off, Faheem Ashraf steers it to point for a run.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, Short of a length and around off, Naseem Shah guides it to third man for a single.
’Rourke to Naseem Shah, Back of a length and on off, Naseem Shah dabs it to point.
Will O’Rourke (8-0-34-2) comes back into the attack.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 219/8
N Shah12 (11)
F Ashraf9 (13)
G Phillips6-0-41-0
Fires one full and on middle, Naseem Shah flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Flighted, full and on middle, Naseem Shah clips it to short mid-wicket.
SIX! Much-needed for Pakistan! Floated, full and on middle, angling in. Naseem Shah dances down the track and smacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Short and on middle, Faheem Ashraf punches it to long on for a run.
Quicker, full and on off, Naseem Shah steers it through point for a single.
Flatter, full and angling down the leg, Naseem Shah strangely pads it away.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 210/8
F Ashraf8 (12)
N Shah4 (6)
M Santner10-1-20-2
Short again and outside off, Faheem Ashraf punches it to sweeper covers for one. Mitch Santner finishes his spell with incredible figures of (10-1-20-2)
Quicker, short and on off, Faheem Ashraf stabs it back to the bowler.
Short and on off, Naseem Shah steers it to short third for another run.
Floated, full and around off, Naseem Shah pushes it to cover-point.
A bit short and on middle, Faheem Ashraf punches it to long off for a run.
Tossed up, full and on off, Naseem Shah drives it to long off for a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 207/8
N Shah2 (3)
F Ashraf7 (9)
G Phillips5-0-32-0
Quicker, full and on middle, Naseem Shah drills it to long on for one.
Flighted, full and on middle, Naseem Shah blocks it out.
Darts one way down the leg side, Naseem Shah leaves it alone. Wided.
Floated, full and on leg, Faheem Ashraf clips it to mid-wicket for a run.
Flatter, full and on off Faheem Ashraf waits for it and guides it to point.
Short and on leg, Naseem Shah punches it to long on for a run.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Faheem Ashraf tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Naseem Shah walks in at number 10 for Pakistan.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 202/8
S Afridi1 (4)
F Ashraf5 (6)
M Santner9-1-17-2
OUT! TAKEN! Two in the over for the Kiwi skipper! He gives this one some more air, full and on off. Shaheen Afridi goes down to slog sweep but has to drag it a bit and loses control of his shot. The ball goes off the top edge behind the keeper. Will Young from short third run to his right and takes a brilliant diving catch. It is getting from bad to worse for Pakistan!
Slows it up, full and on middle, Shaheen Afridi blocks it down the pitch.
Excellent fielding! Flighted, full and around off, Faheem Ashraf swipes it hard down to long on. Michael Bracewell runs to his right and dives to make a fantastic stop. He saves three for his team.
Shortish and on middle, Shaheen Afridi uses his feet and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Floated, full and on off, turns in, Shaheen Afridi looks to push it away but misses.
Shaheen Afridi walks in next.
OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Mitch Santner gets a wicket now! Tossed up, full and on off, Khushdil Shah goes down for the slog sweep but does not get the elevation at all. The ball goes high in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Glenn Phillips settles under it and pouches it safely. Shah looks a bit amused by that but he has to walk back now. Pakistan seven down now!
A slight hold in play as one of the bails is being replaced by the umpire. Mitch Santner comes back into the attack.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 200/6
F Ashraf4 (5)
K Shah7 (17)
G Phillips4-0-27-0
Darts one full and on the pads, Faheem Ashraf flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Flatter, short and on off, Khushdil Shah swipes it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
Quicker, full and on middle, Khushdil Shah stabs it back to the bowler.
Tossed up, full and on off, Faheem Ashraf pushes it towards cover-point for a single.
Short again and outside off, Faheem Ashraf cuts it to point.
Floated, short and on off, Faheem Ashraf punches it short covers.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 196/6
F Ashraf1 (1)
K Shah6 (15)
J Duffy7-0-48-1
On a length and on middle, Faheem Ashraf pushes it through cover-point for one.
Faheem Ashraf walks in at number 8 for Pakistan.
OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Jacob Duffy strikes at the right time! He bangs this one into the pitch and around off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir rocks back and heaves it away hard but just fails to get the elevation. The ball flies flat and straight to Kane Williamson at mid-wicket who takes a sharp catch. Tahir smashes the bat on the ground in frustration. He departs for a nice little 38 off 33, and Pakistan are 195/6 now!
Slower one, on a length and on off, Khushdil Shah runs it down to third man for a run.
Back of a length and on middle, Khushdil Shah tucks it to short mid-wicket.
BEATEN! Good length and on off, nips away a shy but, Khushdil Shah looks to guide it but misses. He needs to get going now.
Hard length and outside off, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir slices it to third man for a single.
Runs Scored 12 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 193/5
Tayyab Tahir37 (31)
K Shah5 (12)
M Bracewell10-1-38-2
Flighted, full and on off, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir steers it through point for one. 12 runs off the over, 26 in the last 2!
Short and around off, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir punches it through point and races back for the second run. Excellent running!
FOUR! Good effort but in vain! Flatter, full and on off, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir goes down and plays the reverse paddle this time, Kane Williamson chases after it from short third and slides to push it back inside. However, the replay shows that his foot touched the ropes with his hand still in contact with the ball. Four runs!
MISFIELD AND FOUR! Floated, short and on middle, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir goes down on one knee and swipes it away using a lot of his wrists. Jacob Duffy from fine leg runs to his left and tries to pick it up with both hands but parries it to the fence for a boundary.
Quicker, short and on middle, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir moves back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.
Short and on middle, Khushdil Shah pats it to short mid-wicket for a quick singe.
Powerplay 3! New Zealand are now allowed to have up to 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings.
Runs Scored 14 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 181/5
Tayyab Tahir26 (26)
K Shah4 (11)
J Duffy6-0-45-0
FOUR! CLEVER! On a good length and on the stumps. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir sets himself in the line of the ball to scoop it over the short fine leg fence for a boundary.
Coming from around the stumps, goes back of a length, angled in. Khushdil Shah takes it on and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
LEG BYE! Back of a length, on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir looks to tuck it towards fine leg but wears it on the pads. The ball ricochets towards deep fine leg for a single.
SIX! CRUNCHED! Goes full and outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir lunges forward and slog it over the long on fence for a biggie!
Beaten! Banged in short and angled in towards the batter. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir stays back and makes room to ramp it over the keeper but misses.
Back of a length, on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir opens his stance to pull it towards cow corner for a brace. Had to scamper there for the second as the throw came in from the deep.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 167/5
K Shah3 (10)
Tayyab Tahir14 (21)
M Bracewell9-1-26-2
On a good length and on middle. Khushdil Shah tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Darted in outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir cuts it towards deep point for a single.
Fuller and on the off stump. Khushdil Shah pushes it towards long on.
Fired in on off. Khushdil Shah punches it back towards the bowler.
On a good length outside off. Khushdil Shah lunges forward to defend it back.
Full and on off. Khushdil Shah lunges forward to defend.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 165/5
Tayyab Tahir13 (20)
K Shah2 (5)
J Duffy5-0-32-0
Full and outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir gets an inside edge on the bat and goes towards square leg.
On a good length outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir chops it towards deep third man for a brace.
Fuller and outside off. Khushdil Shah steers it towards deep third man for a single.
Back of a length outside off. Khushdil Shah defends it out.
Back of a length, at the stumps, Khushdil Shah blocks it well.
On a length, on off, Shah pushes it to cover.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 162/5
K Shah1 (1)
Tayyab Tahir11 (18)
M Bracewell8-1-24-2
Full and on middle. Khushdil Shah tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Khushdil Shah comes out to the middle now.
OUT! CAUGHT! Michael Bracewell gets the big fish out and Muhammad Salman Ali falls right into the trap. Bracewell goes full and outside off, turning in. Muhammad Salman Ali lunges forward to reverse sweep it but gets a top edge and goes towards the right of short third. Jacob Duffy runs to his right and grabs it above his head. Muhammad Salman Ali has to walk. That was a great catch!
Quicker, full and angling in, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir looks to scoop but misses. Tom Latham parries it to short fine. A bye is taken.
Flighted, full and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.
Flatter, full and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali blocks it out.
Fired in on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir pushes it towards long on for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 158/4
Salman Ali44 (62)
Tayyab Tahir10 (16)
M Santner8-1-15-0
Floated up outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali taps it towards point.
Slightly quicker on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir taps it towards square leg for a single.
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir cuts it towards point.
Full and outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir pushes it towards mid off.
Floated up outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir cuts it towards point.
Full and on middle. Muhammad Salman Ali hoicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 156/4
Salman Ali43 (60)
Tayyab Tahir9 (12)
M Bracewell7-1-21-1
Drags his length back, on leg, Muhammad Salman Ali works it through square leg for one more.
Another short ball, on middle, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Quicker, short and angling into leg, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir flicks it to square leg.
Floated, full and on middle, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir tucks it to short mid-wicket.
A bit short and on middle, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir punches it back to the bowler.
Flatter, short and on middle, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir flicks it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 152/4
Salman Ali42 (59)
Tayyab Tahir6 (7)
M Santner7-1-13-0
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali hands his bat and it takes the outside edge and rolls towards point.
Full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it back down the ground.
Fired in full and on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir pushes it towards backward square leg for a single.
Full and outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir lunges forward to defend.
Full and on leg stump. Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it down towards long on for a single.
Floated up outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it towards cover.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 150/4
Tayyab Tahir5 (5)
Salman Ali41 (55)
M Bracewell6-1-17-1
FOUR! Cut away hard! Quicker and fuller outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir rocks back to cut it towards deep backward point for a boundary.
Fuller and outside off. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir lunges forward to defend.
Dragged down onto middle. Muhammad Salman Ali clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.
WIDE! Fired down leg. Muhammad Salman Ali lets it go through. WIDED!
Fired in full and on leg stump. Muhammad Salman Ali tucks it towards square leg.
Fuller and on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir stands tall to punch it away towards long on for a single.
Full and on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir rocks back to punch it towards mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 143/4
Tayyab Tahir0 (1)
Salman Ali40 (53)
W O’Rourke8-0-34-2
’Rourke to Muhammad Tayyab Tahir, LEG BYE! Goes back of a length, angling in, on middle. Muhammad Tayyab Tahir looks to tuck it off his hips but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears onto the pads. The ball ricochets further towards deep fine leg for a single.
Drinks! Just as the partnership was beginning to shift gears, Pakistan suffer a major setback, losing their skipper, Muhammad Rizwan at a crucial juncture. This halts the momentum they had started to build after a shaky start. Muhammad Salman Ali now shoulders the responsibility of anchoring the innings, and he’ll need to convert his solid start if Pakistan hope to post a competitive total. Meanwhile, New Zealand have been relentless, and with this breakthrough, they’ll be eager to tighten the screws further, denying Pakistan any chance of rebuilding. The next phase of play could be decisive! Muhammad Tayyab Tahir walks in next for Pakistan.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, OUT! BOWLED! CHOPPED ON! Brilliant piece of bowling from Will O’Rourke. This one is bowled full and just outside off, in that corridor of uncertainty, nips in slightly. Muhammad Rizwan looks to poke at it to run in down to third man but instead ends up hanging his bat in the line of the ball. It takes the bottom edge and goes right back onto the middle stump. Pakistan are 142 for 4 now.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, On a good length, outside off. Muhammad Rizwan leans on to drive it towards wide of sweeper cover as he mops up and the batters run a brace.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, SIX! Helped away! This is banged in short and angled towards the left shoulder of the batter. Muhammad Rizwan takes it on and swivels to pull it over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie!
’Rourke to Muhammad Salman Ali, Slightly back of a length outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali stays back to cut it towards deep backward point for a single.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, On a good length, outside off. Muhammad Rizwan leans on to drive it towards sweeper cover for a single.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 132/3
M Rizwan37 (72)
Salman Ali39 (52)
N Smith6-0-33-1
Full and on middle. Muhammad Rizwan presents a full face of the bat to punch it towards long on for a single.
FOUR! Pulled away nicely! Pitched short and on middle stump. Muhammad Rizwan pulls it as it sits up nicely for him to go towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
Fuller and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali dabs it down towards deep third man for a single.
Pitched short and angled in towards the batter. Muhammad Salman Ali looks to pull but it zips past the left shoulder.
Goes short again and angling in. Muhammad Salman Ali pulls it to go towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Banged in short and angled towards the batter. Muhammad Salman Ali takes it on and pulls it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 122/3
M Rizwan32 (70)
Salman Ali34 (48)
W O’Rourke7-0-24-1
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Hard length and on off, Muhammad Rizwan heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, A bit fuller and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan clips it to short mid-wicket.
’Rourke to Muhammad Salman Ali, Short of a length and outside off, Muhammad Salman Ali cuts it to deep point for a run.
The physio is out for a mandatory concussion test for Muhammad Rizwan. It was a nasty blow but he looks fine. After a few questions and head exercises he is all set to resume his stay.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Nasty! Will O’Rourke bangs in a sharp bouncer, on off, takes off a bit. Muhammad Rizwan looks to pull it away but is a bit late and the ball crashes onto the side of the helmet. It deflects towards third man as the batters get a leg bye.
’Rourke to Muhammad Salman Ali, On a length and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali tucks it to short mid-wicket for a single.
’Rourke to Muhammad Salman Ali, Hard length and on middle, nips back in, Muhammad Salman Ali blocks it out.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 117/3
M Rizwan30 (67)
Salman Ali32 (45)
N Smith5-0-23-1
On a length and on off, Muhammad Rizwan pushes it to short covers.
Fuller and around off Muhammad Salman Ali drives it to sweeper covers for another run.
Hard length and on off, Muhammad Rizwan guides it through backward point for a run.
Back of a length and on off, Muhammad Rizwan punches it in front of short covers.
Short of a length and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Uppish but safe! Good legth and on off, Muhammad Salman Ali looks to loft it away but fails to get the elevation as it goes on the bounce to mid off.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 114/3
Salman Ali30 (42)
M Rizwan29 (64)
W O’Rourke6-0-20-1
’Rourke to Muhammad Salman Ali, Pulls his length back, on off, Muhammad Salman Ali runs it down to third man for one.
’Rourke to Muhammad Salman Ali, Touch fuller and on off, Muhammad Salman Ali stabs it back to the bowler.
’Rourke to Muhammad Salman Ali, On a length and on off, nips back in, Muhammad Salman Ali dabs it towards point.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Back of a length and around off, Muhammad Rizwan steers it through point for a single.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Fuller and on middle, angling in, Muhammad Rizwan knocks it towards mid on.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Short of a length and outside off, Muhammad Rizwan looks to cut but misses.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 112/3
Salman Ali29 (39)
M Rizwan28 (61)
N Smith4-0-20-1
Good length and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali looks to flick it but gets misses and gets hit on the pads.
In the air...safe! Nathan Smith bangs in a sharp bouncer on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali looks to pull it away but gets hurried and the ball takes the top edge. It flies towards fine leg where the fielder runs forward and dives in but just fails to reach the ball. Two runs taken.
Overpitched and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan drills it to long on for a run.
Pitched up and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan knocks it towards mid on.
Fuller and around off, Muhammad Salman Ali drills it through covers for a single.
On a length and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali blocks it out.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 108/3
M Rizwan27 (59)
Salman Ali26 (35)
M Santner6-1-11-0
Slows it up, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan defends it on the front foot. MAIDEN OVER!
Looped up, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan miscues his drive back to the bowler.
Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Muhammad Rizwan fends it to short covers.
Shorter in length and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan moves back and keeps it out to the leg side.
Flighted, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan blocks it out.
Tossed up, full and on off, Muhammad Rizwan strides out and taps it to short covers.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 108/3
M Rizwan27 (53)
Salman Ali26 (35)
N Smith3-0-16-1
On a length and on off, Muhammad Rizwan guides it to third man for a single.
Back of a length and on off, Muhammad Rizwan dabs it to point.
Pitched up and on off, takes pace off, Muhammad Rizwan looks to drive but gets a bottom edge down the pitch.
Good length and on middle, angling in, Muhammad Rizwan hops up and nudges it through mid-wicket for a brace.
FOUR! Excellent shot! Fuller in length and on middle. Muhammad Rizwan presents the full face of the bat and plays a beautiful on drive past mid on for a boundary. The 50-run stand is up between these two!
Uppish but safe! Nathan Smith bangs this short and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali pulls it but checks his shot. The ball flies in the air but lands in front of deep square leg. A single is taken.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 100/3
M Rizwan20 (48)
Salman Ali25 (34)
M Santner5-0-11-0
Slows it up, full and on off, turns away, Muhammad Rizwan steers it to point.
Looped up, full and on leg, Muhammad Salman Ali drills it to long on for one. 100 up for Pakistan!
Short and outside off, Muhammad Rizwan cuts it to deep point for another run.
Floated, full and on off, Muhammad Salman Ali drives it through covers for a run.
Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Muhammad Rizwan eases it to long on for a single.
Tossed up, full and around off, Muhammad Rizwan pushes it to short covers.
Runs Scored 12 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 96/3
Salman Ali23 (32)
M Rizwan18 (44)
G Phillips3-0-23-0
SIX! BANG! 12 runs off the over! Glenn Phillips gives this one some more air, full and on off. Muhammad Salman Ali dances down the track and carves it over extra covers for a biggie.
Darts one full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan drills it to long on for a single.
FOUR! A welcome boundary! Tossed up, full and around off. Muhammad Rizwan leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through covers for four runs.
Quicker, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan knocks it down the pitch.
Fires one full but down the leg side, Muhammad Rizwan looks to swipe it away but misses. Wided.
Floated, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan drives it back to the bowler.
Short and on middle, angling in, Muhammad Rizwan pats it to short mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 84/3
Salman Ali17 (31)
M Rizwan13 (39)
M Santner4-0-7-0
Flatter, full and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali drills it back to the bowler.
Drag his length back, on middle, angling in, Muhammad Rizwan backs away and punches it through covers for one.
Flighted, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan taps it to short covers.
Goes short and around off, turns away, Muhammad Salman Ali cuts it through cover-point for a single.
Floated, full and on middle, turns away, Muhammad Salman Ali keeps it out to the off side.
Tossed up, full and on middle, Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 82/3
Salman Ali16 (27)
M Rizwan12 (37)
G Phillips2-0-11-0
Darts this one full and down the leg, Muhammad Salman Ali goes down and paddles it to fine leg for one.
Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Muhammad Salman Ali comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.
Flighted, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan eases it to long on for another run.
Quicker, full and on off, Muhammad Rizwan knocks it to the right of the bowler.
Floated, full and around off, Muhammad Salman Ali goes inside out and lifts it through covers for a run.
Flatter, full and on middle, Muhammad Rizwan uses his feet and drills it to long on for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 78/3
Salman Ali14 (24)
M Rizwan10 (34)
M Santner3-0-5-0
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali goes forward with an angled bat and takes the outside edge and goes towards point.
Tossed up outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali rocks forward to defend it towards point.
Floated up outside off. Muhammad Rizwan goes forward to drill it towards long off for a single.
Full and on off stump. Muhammad Rizwan goes forward to push it straight back.
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali rocks back to punch it towards long on for a single.
Full and outside off. Muhammad Rizwan lunges forward to work it straight back.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 76/3
Salman Ali13 (20)
M Rizwan9 (32)
G Phillips1-0-7-0
On a good length, on middle stump. Muhammad Salman Ali flicks it towards deep fine leg for a single.
Floated up outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it straight back.
Quicker one on leg stump. Muhammad Salman Ali misses his flick and wears it on the pads.
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali cuts it towards deep backward point beating the point fielder as the batters run through for a brace. The fielder from sweeper cover does the mopping up.
Full and way outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali slaps it straight towards point.
FOUR! Lofted cleanly! Floated up outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali leans on to slash it over cover to go towards the sweeper cover fence for a boundary.
Glenn Phillips is introduced into the attack now.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 69/3
M Rizwan9 (32)
Salman Ali6 (14)
M Santner2-0-3-0
Quicker, fuller and flatter, outside off. Muhammad Rizwan lunges forward confidently to defend it back onto the ground.
Floated up outside off. Muhammad Rizwan lunges forward to work it back towards the bowler.
Full and outside off. Muhammad Rizwan goes forward to push it towards cover.
Fired in full and on middle, goes straight on. Muhammad Rizwan goes back to a full one to work it away but wears it on the pads.
Full and on middle. Muhammad Rizwan leans on to work it away towards mid-wicket.
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali drives it towards sweeper cover for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 68/3
Salman Ali5 (13)
M Rizwan9 (27)
M Bracewell5-1-10-1
Floated up again and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it towards long on for a single.
Full and on middle stump. Muhammad Rizwan stays back to tuck it towards deep backward square leg for a single.
Slightly quicker and flatter on off. Muhammad Rizwan rocks back to punch it towards mid-wicket.
Full and on middle. Muhammad Salman Ali lunges forward to push it towards long on for a single.
Fuller and on the off stump, turning in. Muhammad Salman Ali goes forward to work it away towards mid on.
Floated up on off. Muhammad Salman Ali leans on to work it towards mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 65/3
M Rizwan8 (25)
Salman Ali3 (9)
M Santner1-0-2-0
Fuller and outside off stump. Muhammad Rizwan drives it towards cover.
Fired in full and on middle, goes straight on. Muhammad Rizwan goes on one knee to sweep it towards square leg.
Slower one outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali leans on to drive it inside out towards long off for a single.
Fired in full and off stump. Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it back towards the bowler.
Slowed down on off stump. Muhammad Salman Ali drives it towards cover.
Floated up outside off. Muhammad Rizwan leans on to drill it towards sweeper cover for a single.
Mitch Santner brings himself into the attack now.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 63/3
M Rizwan7 (22)
Salman Ali2 (6)
M Bracewell4-1-7-1
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali stands tall to punch it towards long on for another single. .
Slightly quicker on middle. Muhammad Rizwan rocks back to punch it towards mid-wicket.
Fuller and on off stump. Muhammad Salman Ali leans on to work it away towards long on for a single.
Fired in full and outside off. Muhammad Salman Ali is cramped up for room as he chops it back onto the ground.
Fuller and on off stump. Muhammad Salman Ali pushes it towards mid on.
Floated up on off stump, turning in. Muhammad Salman Ali leans on to push it back to the bowler.
Drinks! New Zealand have bowled with great discipline so far, never allowing the batters to settle. Apart from Jacob Duffy’s first spell, scoring has been anything but easy, with the two-paced nature of the pitch becoming increasingly evident. With three wickets down, Pakistan will once again turn to Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Salman Ali to stabilize the innings and capitalize on the middle overs. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be eager to strike a couple more blows to tighten their grip on this series finale.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 61/3
M Rizwan6 (20)
Salman Ali1 (2)
N Smith2-0-8-1
Back of a length, outside off. Rizwan opens the face of the bat to push it towards cover.
Fuller and on the off peg. Rizwan is cramped up and just manages to push it towards mid off.
On a good length, outside off. Rizwan pushes it towards cover.
FOUR! DISPATCHED! Banged in short and angled towards the batter. Rizwan stays back to pull it towards deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
Full and on off stump. Rizwan goes forward to defend it firmly back down.
Goes full and outside off. Rizwan presents a full face of the bat to defend it.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 57/3
M Rizwan2 (14)
Salman Ali1 (2)
M Bracewell3-1-5-1
Full and on middle. Rizwan rocks back to punch it towards mid on for a single.
Full and outside off. Agha drives it towards sweeper cover for a single.
Almost a run out there! Goes full and outside off. Rizwan taps it towards point and is off for a quick single. The fielder collects it and throws it in one motion to the keeper who dislodges the bails. It goes to the third umpire. The replays show that Agha is safely in.
Full and on off stump. Rizwan lunges far forward and defends it with a straight bat.
Fired in full and on middle. Rizwan tucks it towards mid-wicket. Looks for a run and but it isn't there. Gets back in quickly.
Full and outside off. Rizwan punches it towards the bowler.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 54/3
Salman Ali0 (1)
M Rizwan0 (9)
N Smith1-0-4-1
Full and on off. Salman Agha pushes it back to the bowler.
Muhammad Salman Ali is the next man in.
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! There is the answer from the bowler, right on the next ball. This one is bowled full and outside off, in and around that channel. Babar Azam tentatively pushes at it, with a full face of the bat. He is a bit early on that shot as it takes the middle of the bat but loops back straight to the bowler. Nathan Smith on his follow-through, gets his eyes back up and grabs it with both hands and immediately throws it up in the air, in celebration. New Zealand sends back the danger man in the form of Babar Azam.
FOUR! Delightful! Goes full and outside off, inviting the drive. Babar Azam lunges forward, with his high elbow and drives through the line and finds the gap between cover and mid off as the ball races towards the fence for a boundary.
On a good length, outside off, inviting the drive. Babar Azam rocks forward confidently to drive it towards mid off.
Slightly pulls back his length a bit, outside off. Babar Azam stays back to tap it towards backward point.
Goes full and on middle, swerving inwards. Babar Azam leans on to work it away towards mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 50/2
M Rizwan0 (9)
B Azam25 (29)
M Bracewell2-1-2-1
Quicker and flatter outside off. Rizwan gets his bat down in time to defend it out.
Tap and run. Fired in full and outside off. Babar Azam gently taps it towards point for a quick single.
Full and on middle. Babar Azam tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Much fuller on off stump. Babar Azam goes forward and defends it with a straight bat.
Floated up on off. Babar Azam goes forward to defend it firmly.
WIDE! Fired down leg. Babar Azam looks to flick but misses. The wicket keeper fails to grab it. WIDED!
Full and outside off, turning in. Babar Azam lunges forward to defend.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 48/2
M Rizwan0 (8)
B Azam24 (24)
W O’Rourke5-0-18-1
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Fuller than a length, outside off, Muhammad Rizwan leans into the shot but holds his bat high and decides to make a leave.
Powerplay 2! New Zealand can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Both sides will be satisfied with the first ten overs.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, WIDE! Short and beyond the tramline on off, Rizwan lets it pass.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Just over off, on a back of a length, Rizwan trusts the bounce and decides to make a leave.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Angles it in, on a hard length, over off, Rizwan keeps it out.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Digs it in short again, outside off, Muhammad Rizwan leaves it alone.
’Rourke to Muhammad Rizwan, Short and around off, Muhammad Rizwan hops to cut but misses.
’Rourke to Babar Azam, Hurls it on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Babar Azam is square up but does well to steer it to deep thrid for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 46/2
M Rizwan0 (3)
B Azam23 (23)
M Bracewell1-1-0-1
A wicket maiden to start with for Michael Bracewell! Nagging length, around off, at 85.3 kph, Rizwan tucks it to mid-wicket.
Full at the stumps, Rizwan taps it to mid on.
Floated full, on off, Muhammad Rizwan blocks.
Muhammad Rizwan comes out to the middle now.
OUT! TIMBER! What an inspired bowling change this has been and Saud Shakeel is stunned in disbelief! Michael Bracewell fires this one quicker, on a shorter length, around middle and leg. Saud Shakeel sees the length and decides to make some room to punch it through covers but the ball stays low and holds it line. Zips off the deck to scoot under his bat to rattle the stumps behind. Pakistan lose their second for 46 runs.
Tossed up, on the pads, Saud Shakeel lunges to tuck it to mid-wicket.
Comes into the attack and starts with a full one, at the stumps, Saud pushes it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 46/1
B Azam23 (23)
S Shakeel8 (11)
W O’Rourke4-0-16-1
’Rourke to Babar Azam, Length, around off, Babar Azam blocks.
’Rourke to Babar Azam, FOUR! Babar Azam suddenly seems to be in fine touch after struggling initially! Short of a length, on off, Babar Azam stands tall and punches it through covers for a boundary.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Fires it into the pads, on a length, Saud Shakeel looks to tuck and misses. The ball goes off his pads towards square leg and the batters take a leg bye.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Length, on off, Saud Shakeel blocks it to mid off.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Solid effort from Devon Conway but another half a chance goes down! Will O’Rourke digs it in short and on middle and leg, Saud Shakeel looks to pull but gets a top edge in front of deep fine leg. Devon Conway charges ahead to his left and dives to get under the ball but fails to cling on. The ball bursts off his grasp and tickles towards the fence but Conway does great to get back up and flick it back in time. Two runs taken.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, On a good length, on off, Saud Shakeel blocks it to cover.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 39/1
B Azam19 (21)
S Shakeel6 (7)
J Duffy4-0-29-0
FOUR! Jacob Duffy is struggling to find consistency with his lines and lengths and it seems like this could be his last over for this spell. Back of a length and on the pads, Babar Azam clips it past square leg for a boundary.
On a length, on middle and leg, Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket.
Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam cuts it hard to deep third for a couple of runs.
FOUR! Threads the gap perfectly this time! Gets to his 6000 ODI runs with a trademark shot! Jacob Duffy takes some pace off and keeps it full, outside off, Babar Azam firms his drive through cover-point for a boundary and gets to another milestone. Joins Hashim Amla to achieve 6000 ODI runs in 123 innings.
Full, around off, Babar Azam drives it well but to mid off.
Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam punches it well but straight to cover.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 29/1
S Shakeel6 (7)
B Azam9 (15)
W O’Rourke3-0-10-1
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Fuller than a length, on middle and off, Saud Shakeel blocks it towards cover.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Similar ball but Saud Shakeel manages to tuck it to deep backward square leg for a brace.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Hurries the batter on a length, into the pads, Saud Shakeel looks to tuck it behind but misses.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Short of a length, on middle and off, Saud Shakeel drops it down the pitch.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Solid comeback ball from Will O’Rourke! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Saud Shakeel looks to block it straight but the ball shapes away to go past the outside edge.
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, FOUR! Glorious shot to get off the mark! A bit too wide, outside off, fuller in length, Saud Shakeel leans into the shot and times his drive to bits of perfection through covers.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 23/1
B Azam9 (15)
S Shakeel0 (1)
J Duffy3-0-19-0
Keeps it around off, on a length, Babar taps it to cover.
Length, on off, Babar Azam makes a block.
SIX! BANG! Makes the most of the Free Hit and that should get him a lot of confidence. Back of a length, on middle, Babar Azam nails the pull over mid-wicket for a biggie.
Full and outside off, Babar Azam leans into it and drives it beautifully but cannot pierce the gap right. Hits it to cover point. The third umpire chips in to confirm that Jacob Duffy has overstepped and signals it a NO BALL. A Free Hit to follow.
Duffy hits the length right, on middle, Babar Azam offers a solid block on the front foot.
On a good length, on middle and off, Babar Azam taps it to mid on.
Back of a length, around off, Babar Azam dabs it down towards mid on.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 16/1
S Shakeel0 (1)
B Azam3 (8)
W O’Rourke2-0-4-1
’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, Very full, on off, Saud Shakeel firms his drive but cannot beat cover. End of a successful over from Will O’Rourke!
Saud Shakeel walks out to bat at number 3.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, OUT! CAUGHT! The setup was there and Fakhar Zaman falls right in the trap. Superb planning and execution from Will O’Rourke and New Zealand! After a barrage of balls that are angled across, Will O’Rourke goes full and on the pads. Fakhar Zaman's eyes light up and he goes after it with a flick. Hits it straight to Will Young at square leg who takes a sharp reverse cup catch around his face. Fakhar Zaman stands there for a few seconds unable to believe his luck. Pakistan lose their first one for 16 runs.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller than the previous one, just outside off, Fakhar Zaman doesn't go for the drive and decides to hold his wrists high and make a leave.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! Angling away, wayward and beyond the tramline on off. Fakhar Zaman lets it pass.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, Targets the hips, on a back of a length, Fakhar Zaman looks to tuck it behind but misses and gets hit high on the thigh.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, Angles it across on a back of a length, outside off, Fakhar Zaman is happy to leave it alone.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! Back of a length, outside off and shaping away further off the pitch. Called a wide.
’Rourke to Babar Azam, Another outside edge from Babar Azam! Isn't quite finding the middle yet! Full and on off, Babar Azam looks to drive but gets an outside edge to deep third for one.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 13/0
F Zaman10 (11)
B Azam2 (7)
J Duffy2-0-12-0
Good second over from Jacob Duffy! Hits the deck hard, on a short of a length, on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman takes a step out but is cramped in for room. Adjusts well and drops it in front of mid-wicket.
Full and outside off, Fakhar Zaman drives it straight to cover.
Drags the length short and angles it into the hips, Babar Azam tucks it to square leg region and picks up a single.
Very full, on off, Babar Azam leans into the shot and creams his drive but straight to short cover.
WIDE! Length, down leg, Babar Azam fails to tickle it on its way.
Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam gets on top of his toes and punches it to cover.
Stifled shout for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Full and slanting into leg, Babar Azam looks to flick it fine but misses. The ball clips his front pad and goes back to the keeper to his left.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 11/0
F Zaman10 (9)
B Azam1 (3)
W O’Rourke1-0-1-0
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, A bit too wide outside off, on a back of a length, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, Almost! This is superb bowling from Will O’Rourke! Hits the back of a length and on off, with a bit of extra bounce off the surface that hurries Fakhar Zaman back. He ends up lobbing it in front of point trying to block.
’Rourke to Fakhar Zaman, Nicely bowled! Angles it away, on a back of a length with an upright seam. The ball hits the deck and shapes away to go past the outside edge as Fakhar looks to block.
’Rourke to Babar Azam, Babar Azam is off the blocks! A bit fuller and just outside off, Babar Azam looks to drive it through covers and gets an outside edge to deep third for a single.
’Rourke to Babar Azam, Goes wide outside off, on a length, Babar Azam lets it pass.
’Rourke to Babar Azam, Starts from over the wicket and hits the deck hard, on a length, around off, Babar Azam hops back and dabs it in front of point.
Will O’Rourke to take the other new ball.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 10/0
F Zaman10 (6)
B Azam0 (0)
J Duffy1-0-10-0
A dot to end, what has been an expensive over from Jacob Duffy! Full and on off, Fakhar Zaman pushes it to mid off.
FOUR! Easy pickings this! Jacob Duffy serves it on the pads, fuller in length, Fakhar Zaman yet again, makes good use of the wrists and flicks it behind square on the leg side for another boundary.
Attacks the stumps, on a length, Fakhar Zaman taps it down the strip.
Halt! Fakhar Zaman is not happy with the sightscreen again and is getting a bit frustrated here. He is happy to continue.
FOUR! Half a chance? Seemed like it! Oh, that should've been taken by Nathan Smith! Will count as a big dropped chance. Full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman sees the length and flicks it flat and straight to deep square leg. Nathan Smith does well to move to his right and slides to try and take the catch with both hands but misses. The ball goes off his palms and races behind to the fence.
Drags the length back by a bit and keeps it on off, Fakhar Zaman stabs it down the deck.
Runs straightaway! Jacob Duffy steams in from over the wicket and goes very full, at the stumps, Fakhar Zaman flicks it past mid-wicket and takes two runs to get off the mark.
Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the New Zealand players in a huddle where Mitch Santner is giving them a pep talk. The two umpires walk out to the middle, and now the Kiwis spread out to take their respective field positions. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam are the two openers for Pakistan. Jacob Duffy has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. There is a slight delay due to an issue in front of the sightscreen. It has been resolved and we are good to go now. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of the Tri-Nation Series final, but before that, the players from both sides line up for their respective national anthems. It will be New Zealand's first followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.
PITCH REPORT - Bazid Khan is joined by Vernon Philander for the pitch analysis. They reckon that the pitch looks a bit different today but should be a belter of a wicket to bat on. Philander further adds that there are a few dry spots and the pitch could very well be two-paced. Mentions that with potential dew coming in later, chasing could become slightly easier and Pakistan will have to post a big total having chosen to bat first.
Devon Conway of New Zealand also shares a few words. He says that it is great to be back, representing New Zealand. The last time he played ODI was in the world cup. Says that he will look to get in the ODI mode and bat as long as possible and getting in batting partnerships. Further mentions that the middle period is important. The runs scoring here in Pakistan makes it harder, especially with the new ball. Concludes by saying that the teams that constraints the scoring in the middle over are the ones to come out on top, in the end.
Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan is down for a chat. He says when chasing a big target, it is important to get a good start and making the most of the Powerplay was very necessary. Mentions that no matter how well they play as a team, there will always be scopes to get better and one thing they will make a conscious effort in is to not lose a lot of wickets early in the game.
Mitch Santner, the captain of New Zealand says that there is slightly less grass on this wicket and it looks like another good wicket. Adds that they are looking forward to the chase. Mentions that the boys have played here a lot and they've had their practice sessions on a similar wicket. There is a job to do with the ball for them. Further mentions that they always want to win regardless of the tournament and always looking at the bigger picture as well. Says that they want to make sure that they are heading in the right direction. Informs that Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy are in the team.
Muhammad Rizwan, the skipper of Pakistan says the pitch looks different and they want to try and bat first. Adds that the previous game does give them the momentum but that is behind them and they will now focus on this game. Mentions that they are playing well and trying to fix the inconsistency, and their confidence is building up. Concludes that they have one change in the side with Muhammad Hasnain making way for Faheem Ashraf.
New Zealand (Playing XI) - Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Santner (C), Nathan Smith (In place of Matt Henry), Jacob Duffy (In place of Ben Sears), Will O’Rourke.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Rizwan (C/WK), Muhammad Salman Ali, Muhammad Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf (In place of Muhammad Hasnain), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan have elected to BAT first.
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KL Rahul: పాపం.. రాహుల్! ఢిల్లీ జట్టులోనూ తప్పని అవమానం.. కెప్టెన్సీ వద్దన్నాడన్న కోపంతోనేనా?
Virat Kohli: కోహ్లీ దెబ్బకు వెనక్కి తగ్గిన BCCI.. అది దా కోహ్లీ రేంజ్!
IPL 2025: ధనాధన్ లీగ్కు గ్లామర్ టచ్.. ఐపీఎల్-2025 ఓపెనింగ్ సెర్మనీలో సందడి చేసే సినీ తారలు వీరే!
IPL 2025: ఐపీఎల్ ప్రారంభానికి ముందే రాజస్థాన్ రాయల్స్కు తలనొప్పిలా మారిన కెప్టెన్.. ఎందుకో తెలుసా?
IPL History: ఒత్తిడి భరించలేక కెప్టెన్సీకి గుడ్బై చెప్పిన 9 మంది.. లిస్ట్లో షాకింగ్ పేరు
Commentary
Right then, that is it from this ODI and Tri-Nation Series as well where New Zealand won all three matches. The trophy is now being handed over to the Kiw skipper, Mitch Santner, who joins his teammates to lift it together and pose for some pictures. Now, these two sides will meet again in the curtain-raiser of the 2025 Champions Trophy on 19th February, Wednesday. The first ball will be bowled at 9 am GMT, but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
Mitch Santner, the victorious skipper of New Zealand says that they ticked all the boxes before the Champions Trophy and different people stepped up and different times, for the team. Adds that the pitch was a little bit slower than they thought and was two-paced. Mentions that they tried to build pressure and take wickets up top and that would make it easier for the other guys to do the remaining job. Says that the powerplay is the best time to bat and get wickets and restricting runs in that phase is crucial. Concludes by saying that it is nice to have different guys firing before the tournament.
Muhammad Rizwan, the captain of Pakistan says they elected to bat first because they thought the pitch would play slowly in the second innings and it was like that but credit goes to Kiwi bowlers. Adds that they lost three wickets in the Powerplay and they were looking at something around 280 at first but then Santner and Bracewell bowled brilliantly, and they had to adjust and in the end, 10-15 runs more could have changed things. Mentions that he and Salman had to build a partnership, but he lost his wicket at the wrong time. Says they need to improve their fielding a lot, but Abrar has done well in recent times and looks like the best fielder in the side. Ends by saying that they will now need to learn from this and focus on the Champions Trophy.
Muhammad Salman Ali PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his all-around performance. He says he feels nice for the way he performed but isn't happy that the side couldn't win the game. Mentions that this is how the pitch will play here is Karachi and could be the case going ahead. Says it was a challenging wicket and his wicket came at the wrong time, or a total beyond 280-290 runs would have been a different game altogether.
Will O’Rourke is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent blowing display. He says that there was a nice breeze blowing across and that helped him push it across the left-handers. Adds that the wicket was a bit two-paced and he tried to whack it into the wicket and got different results. Says that it was holding a bit onto the surface. Mentions that the boys have been playing nicely and would like to take this momentum into the Champions Trophy.
Presentation Time...
Pakistan will be gutted with their bowling and fielding effort! Naseem Shah struck early and returned for another, while Muhammad Salman Ali and Abrar Ahmed chipped in, but they never built sustained pressure. The real damage, though, came in the field - too many dropped catches and sloppy moments proved costly. They’ll need to fix these issues fast before the bigger challenges ahead.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan put up a somewhat fighting total, thanks to solid knocks from Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Salman Ali, along with some late fireworks from the lower order. But New Zealand’s bowlers were on fire! The skipper led from the front with a brilliant spell, Michael Bracewell matched his impact, and Will O’Rourke stole the show with a superb four-wicket haul. Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy chipped in as well, ensuring Pakistan never got out of hand.
New Zealand made light work of the chase despite an early setback! Kane Williamson and Devon Conway laid a solid foundation before Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell took control, steering the ship with confidence. Mitchell’s fifty was vital, but he fell before the finish, as did Latham after a charmed knock. In the end, it was only fitting that Glenn Phillips, the star of the first game, sealed the deal or the Kiwis.
New Zealand reigns supreme in the Tri-Nation Series! They've been class apart, outplaying their opponents with dominance and flair. If this was a Champions Trophy audition, they've passed with flying colors and look like serious contenders. As for Pakistan, it's a reality check - plenty to fix before the big stage arrives!
WIDE! That will do it! New Zealand win by 5 wickets and clinch the Tri-Series remaining unbeaten. Faheem Ashraf goes way too short and over off, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone and remains unbeaten throughout the series.
Back of a length, on middle, Glenn Phillips looks to punch it through the off side but gets an inside edge to square leg region. The batters scamper a couple of runs. The fielder throws the ball back to the keeper who whips the bails off but Glenn Phillips dives to make it in. The third umpire is summoned to check and he confirms just that. Scores level now!
FOUR! New Zealand inch closer! Faheem Ashraf goes short and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips is late to pull and gets a top edge but it goes to the right of deep fine leg for a boundary. Just 3 more runs needed now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 236/5
G Phillips14 (15)
M Bracewell2 (3)
S Afridi9-0-45-1
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips helps it on its way to fine leg for one.
Digs it short and on off, Michael Bracewell neatly pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Hard length, into the pads, Glenn Phillips clips it to deep square leg for a single.
Short one again, on off, Michael Bracewell pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Short and on middle, Michael Bracewell ducks under it.
Michael Bracewell comes out to the middle.
OUT! CAUGHT! The luck finally runs out for Tom Latham! Shaheen Afridi finally gets his first wicket. Comes back into the attack and bangs it into the deck, on a back of a length, angling it into the batter. Tom Latham reads the length early and looks to pull it but is hurried a bit. The ball takes a top edge and goes high in front of deep backward square leg. Abrar Ahmed charges towards the ball and takes a solid catch sliding in front to his right.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 232/4
G Phillips12 (13)
T Latham56 (63)
A Ahmed10-0-67-1
Drops the length short and on off, Phillips cuts it to point. New Zealand just need 11 more runs now.
Looped up a bit, on off, Glenn Phillips blocks.
Full and on the pads, Tom Latham clips it to square leg for one.
Around middle and off, on a fuller length, Tom Latham mistimes his reverse sweep to short third.
WIDE! Sprayed full and down leg.
FOUR! Easy as it gets! Tossed up, on off, Tom Latham reverse sweeps it and beats short third to his right.
FIFTY FOR LATHAM! What a time to get amongst the runs. Although he had his fair share of luck, he made sure he kept going. Superb knock! This is full and on leg, Latham tickles it past short fine leg for a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 224/4
G Phillips12 (11)
T Latham49 (59)
K Shah6-0-22-0
Fires it in, full and outside off, the ball keeps a tad low and Glenn Phillips misses on the cut shot.
Drifting into the pads, on a fuller length, Tom Latham flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Moves to 49!
Charges down the track to a full ball around off, and fails to turn it across. Gets hit on the front pad.