The Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series Final was an intense battle, setting the stage for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand claimed victory by five wickets, delivering a strong message to their competitors. Pakistan, playing on their home soil, struggled against the Kiwi attack, raising concerns ahead of the big tournament.
- New Zealand dominated the series and gained momentum
- Pakistan must address batting struggles before the tournament
- Expect a high-intensity clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
New Zealand’s Early Strikes Put Pakistan on the Backfoot
Pakistan chose to bat first but faced a tough start. New Zealand’s bowlers dominated early as William O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, and Michael Bracewell dismantled Pakistan’s top order.
- Pakistan at 54-3 in 12 overs
- Fakhar Zaman dismissed early
- Babar Azam reached 6000 ODI runs but fell soon after
Saud Shakeel failed to build momentum, scoring just 8 runs. Pakistan needed a steady partnership to regain control.
Rizwan and Salman Rebuild Pakistan’s Innings
After early wickets, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman fought back. Their 88-run partnership gave Pakistan some stability.
- Rizwan scored 46 runs
- Salman added 40 runs off 53 balls
- Dismissed quickly by O’Rourke and Bracewell
Later, Tayyab Tahir (38) and Faheem Ashraf (22) pushed Pakistan past 240 runs, setting a modest target.
Williamson and Conway Give New Zealand a Strong Start
New Zealand began their chase with an early scare, losing Will Young in the second over. However, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway turned things around.
- 71-run partnership between Williamson and Conway
- Conway dismissed by Naseem Shah before reaching 50
- Williamson clean-bowled by Agha Salman for 34
Despite losing two key players, the Kiwis remained confident in their chase.
Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell Seal Victory
With Conway and Williamson gone, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell took charge. Their 87-run partnership secured the win for New Zealand.
- Latham scored 56 off 64 balls
- Mitchell fired 57 runs
- Glenn Phillips and Bracewell finished the match
New Zealand remained undefeated in the series, heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 full of confidence.
What This Means for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
This match highlighted key strengths and weaknesses of both teams before the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s Concerns
- Top-order vulnerability
- Inconsistent middle order
- Bowling lacked finishing edge
New Zealand’s Strengths
- Strong bowling attack
- Stable middle order
- Confidence finishing under pressure
With Pakistan and New Zealand likely to clash again, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises exciting encounters.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Top Bowlers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 241/10 | Rizwan (46), Salman (40) | O’Rourke (2), Bracewell (2) |
| New Zealand | 242/5 | Latham (56), Mitchell (57) | Naseem Shah (1), Agha Salman (1) |
New Zealand’s victory in the Tri-Series Final was a statement ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan must regroup and fix its weaknesses before the tournament. Cricket fans can expect intense battles when these teams meet again on the global stage.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
