Fakar zaman

Nation ODI Series: Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham struck half-centuries on top of an all-round bowling performance as New Zealand defeated hosts Pakistan by five wickets in the final to claim the title in the Tri-Nation ODI Series at the National Stadium here on Friday. This is a big boost for New Zealand ahead of the Champions Trophy on a day when they lost pacer Ben Sears to an injury. With this win, New Zealand finished the tri-series unbeaten.

Mitchell struck a 58-ball 57 while Latham finally came good when it mattered to score a 64-ball 56 and with vital contributions from Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williams (34) reached 245/5 in 45.2 overs to win the match with 28 balls to spare.

They were chasing a modest target of 243 after the Black Caps rode on superb bowling by left-arm pacer Will O’Rourke (4-43) and a brace each by spinners Michael Bracewell (2-38) and skipper Mitchell Santner (2-20) to bundle out Pakistan for 242 in the final over of their innings.