New Zealand concluded their Champions Trophy preparations with a dominant five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the tri-nation series final.

Just five days before the two teams meet again to kick off the Champions Trophy, Pakistan was bowled out for 242, and New Zealand comfortably chased down 243-5 in the 46th over on Friday.

Fast bowler Will O’Rourke impressed with 4-43, while captain Mitchell Santner delivered his best-ever one-day international bowling performance, taking 2-20.

None of the Pakistan batters reached a half-century, while Daryl Mitchell (57) and Tom Latham (56) guided New Zealand to a third straight win in the tournament, sealed by Pakistan’s 16th wide delivery.

The Black Caps had previously defeated both Pakistan and South Africa in group games in Lahore.

“Different guys stepping up at different times is good, but it means nothing till we play that first game at the Champions Trophy,” Santner said.

The teams will return to the same ground on Wednesday. “It [the pitch] was a bit slower than what we thought it would be,” Santner said. “We just wanted to put in a good spot and build pressure. If we take wickets up front, it makes the job easier in the middle.”

Left-hander Latham, who came into the final without a run in both games at Lahore, could have been dismissed on 15 and 27.

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 1133 HRS, FEB 15, 2025
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