Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They struggled to get going with the only real spark coming from skipper Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Salman Agha (45), who forged an 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket.  Even though Babar Azam could only manage 29 runs off 34 balls, he nevertheless became the joint fastest to 6 000 ODI runs in his 123rd innings, alongside South Africa’s Hashim Amla.

Tayyab Tahir (38) and Faheem Ashraf (22) contributed useful runs down the order but Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 47 runs to settle for 242.

Seamer Will O'Rourke (4-43) led New Zealand's bowling attack, ably supported by Michael Bracewell (2-38) and Mitchell Satner (2-20), who took two wickets each. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith claimed the scalps of Tahir and Azam respectively.

Daryl Mitchell's post-match press conference at the National Bank Stadium.

Watch here ?? https://t.co/TsqqbXkWSe#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/FKrW6yop0r

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 14, 2025

New Zealand started strongly with the bat, with Daryl Mitchell (57) and Tom Latham (56) both getting half-centuries. Devon Conway came close, but was caught by Abrar Ahmed off the bowling of Naseem Shah when he had 48 on the board. Shah was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 43 runs in eight overs.

For his excellent bowling figures, O’Rourke was chosen as the Player of the Match, while Salman Agha of Pakistan was the Player of the Series for a total of 219 runs and one wicket.

New Zealand and Pakistan will meet again in five days’ time for the Champions Trophy opener at the same venue.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg