O’Rourke’s 4-43 helped the tourists knock Pakistan for 242 in 49.3 overs, with Mitchell’s 58-ball 57 anchoring the chase as the Black Caps concluded on 243-5 in 45.2 overs at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Will O’Rourke took four wickets, while Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham each scored half-centuries as New Zealand overcame Pakistan by five wickets in the tri-nations series final on Friday. O’Rourke’s 4-43 helped the tourists knock Pakistan for 242 in 49.3 overs, while Mitchell’s 58-ball 57 anchored the chase as the Black Caps finished 243-5 in 45.2 overs at Karachi’s National Stadium.
The victory gives the New Zealanders a much-needed boost ahead of their Champions Trophy opening against the same opponent on Wednesday at this stadium.
New Zealand lost opener Will Young for five in bowler Naseem Shah’s first over, but Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) stabilised the chase with a second wicket stand of 71.As he charged down the wicket against spinner Salman Agha, Williamson lost his wicket, and Naseem returned for his second ball to dismiss Conway.
Mitchell found a capable partner in Latham (56), and the two combined 87 for the fourth wicket as the tourists’ pursuit faltered at 108-3.
Latham and Glenn Phillips (20 not out) down the tourists’ required 48 runs to 10 after Mitchell was caught and bowled by off-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
In his knock, Mitchell smashed six boundaries, and Latham blasted five fours in his 64-ball innings.
