New Zealand beat Pakistan in the final ODI Match of the series to remove them from the top spot in the ICC Rankings | Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Report
New Zealand beat Pakistan in the final ODI Match. The cricketing world was alive and buzzing with excitement as New Zealand took on Pakistan in the final ODI of their five-match series. The game had huge implications for both teams, with New Zealand hoping to avoid a series whitewash and Pakistan aiming to retain their newly-acquired number one ranking. As the teams took to the field, the atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides cheering and jeering their respective teams.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, with Tom Latham leading the charge. It was a decision that would prove to be a wise one, as Latham and his opening partner, Will Young, put on a brilliant display of batting. The duo played with poise and confidence, taking the attack to the Pakistani bowlers right from the outset.
Young, in particular, was in imperious form, scoring a flamboyant 91-ball 87 that put his team in a commanding position. His innings was filled with classy strokes and impeccable timing, leaving the Pakistani bowlers scratching their heads in frustration. Latham, too, played his part, scoring a steady 59 that anchored the innings and provided the perfect foil to Young’s aggression.
Will Young (89) & Tom Latham (59) anchor the innings with Chapman (43 off 33) & Ravindra (28 off 20) pushing up the total at the back end. Shaheen Afridi 3/46.
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However, just as it looked like New Zealand would run away with the game, the Pakistani bowlers struck back with a vengeance. Shadab Khan and Usama Mir each took two wickets apiece at crucial junctures, putting the brakes on the New Zealand innings. As the fast bowlers joined the party towards the end of the innings, New Zealand stumbled to a total of 299, which was more a result of a late collapse than a solid batting effort.
With 300 to chase, Pakistan knew they had their work cut out for them. The pitch was tricky, with the ball doing a bit off the seam, and the New Zealand bowlers were in no mood to give anything away. Adam Milne and Matt Henry were tight and disciplined, keeping the Pakistani openers, Fakhar Zaman and Shan Masood, in check.
New Zealand beat Pakistan in the final ODI | Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Report
The first five overs saw only 12 runs scored, and the Pakistani innings never really got going from there. Masood was the first to go, chopping on to a ball that was much too close for the cut he attempted. Fakhar, too, struggled to get going, as he was reined in by a superb spell of bowling by Henry Shipley.
It was Shipley who would strike the biggest blow of the innings, as he dismissed Babar Azam off his very first ball. Babar, the Pakistani captain, was a model of consistency, but on this occasion, he couldn’t resist the temptation to play an extravagant shot and paid the price. The wicket sent shockwaves through the Pakistani dressing room and the stadium, as the New Zealand players erupted in jubilation.
From there on, it was an uphill task for Pakistan. Although Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman did their best to keep their team in the hunt with a partnership of 97 runs, the required run rate kept climbing steadily, and wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Shipley, Ravindra, and the rest of the New Zealand bowlers were relentless, giving nothing away and always looking to take wickets.
Iftikhar, in particular, was a shining light for Pakistan, as he waged a lone battle against the New Zealand attack. His unbeaten 94 was a testament to his skill and determination, as he tried his best to take his team over the line. However, it wasn’t to be, as the Pakistani innings came to an end with the team still 47 runs short of the target.
As the final wicket fell, the New Zealand players rushed onto the field to celebrate a hard-fought victory. Pakistan had lost the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings. Let’s wish them the very best in regaining their top of the ranking table position.
