In the fifth and final ODI of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand, New Zealand defeats Pakistan by 47 runs despite a valiant effort from Pakistani batsman Iftikhar Ahmed. The article provides a detailed account of the match, including the performances of both teams and individual players. It highlights how Pakistani bowlers managed to restrict New Zealand to 299 runs and how Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman scored an unbeaten 97-run partnership to give hope to Pakistan’s chase. The article also mentions the impact of this loss on Pakistan’s position in ICC ODI rankings and provides information about the team lineups and the toss. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the match and its significance for both teams.
In the final match of the five-match ODI series, New Zealand faced Pakistan in Karachi on Sunday. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to post a big total on the scoreboard. Pakistani bowlers, however, managed to restrict the visitors to 299 runs.
Despite the early dismissal of opener Tom Blundell, Will Young played a solid knock of 87 runs off 91 balls, including eight boundaries and two maximums. He was well-supported by skipper Tom Latham, who scored 59 runs, and the duo added 74 runs together. Mark Chapman also scored 43 runs off 33 balls before being dismissed by Shadab Khan. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, and Shadab Khan picked up two wickets each, while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr shared one wicket apiece.
In response, Pakistan’s chase was led by the right-handed batter Iftikhar Ahmed, who played a great innings of 94 not out off 109 balls, including eight boundaries and two maximums. He was well-supported by Agha Salman, who scored 57 runs. They both remained unbeaten and shared a partnership of 97 runs, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope. However, New Zealand’s bowlers were too good, and they bowled out Pakistan for 252 runs, winning the match by 47 runs. Henry Shipley and Rachin Ravindra picked up three wickets each.
Pakistan had already won the series 4-0 before this match, but they were hoping to win the final match to cement their place at the top of the ICC ODI rankings. Unfortunately, they were unable to do so, and as a result, they lost their top spot to Australia. Pakistan made only one change to their lineup, bringing in Shadab Khan in place of Mohammad Haris.
Overall, it was a great series for Pakistan, who dominated New Zealand in all departments of the game. It was also a special match for their captain Babar Azam, who completed his 100th ODI match. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe almost eight years ago in Lahore.
In conclusion, it was an exciting and well-fought ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand. While Pakistan won the series comfortably, New Zealand defeats Pakistan by showing great fighting spirit in the final match to end on a high note.
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