New Zealand beat Pakistan by 2 wickets in the third ODI on Friday, January 14, 2023, at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi, clinching the three-match series by 2-1. After Pakistan posted a target of 281 runs, New Zealand chased it down in 48.1 overs. Glenn Phillips, the middle-order batter, was the standout player for the Kiwis with a score of 63 runs off 42 balls, including four boundaries and an equal number of maximums.
Earlier in the match, Fakhar Zaman scored a century for Pakistan, contributing 101 runs in 122 balls, with the help of 10 fours and a six. After losing Shan Masood (0) and Babar Azam (4) early on, Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan stitched together a brilliant partnership of 154 runs, putting New Zealand on the back foot. Rizwan scored 77 runs in 74 balls, which included six boundaries, while Agha Salman scored 45 runs in 43 balls to provide impetus at the back end of the innings. Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, with batting figures of 3-56.
Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bat first against New Zealand. Pakistan made two changes to their playing XI, with Shan Masood and Mohammad Hasnain replacing Imam-ul-Haq and Naseem Shah. Imam and Naseem were suffering from hamstring injury and fever, respectively. New Zealand, meanwhile, remained unchanged for the third ODI.
It must be noted that in the second ODI, opener Devon Conway hit a sparkling hundred to help New Zealand achieve a convincing 79-run win over Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday. The left-hander scored 101 and captain Kane Williamson made 85 before a collapse which saw New Zealand lose nine wickets for 78 runs, restricting them to 261 all out in 49.5 overs. Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals and despite a fighting 79 from skipper Babar Azam, the home team were dismissed for 182, leaving the three-match series tied at 1-1.
In the first ODI, Pakistan strolled to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Karachi on Monday, after fast bowler Naseem took five wickets. The 19-year-old grabbed 5-57 for his second five-wicket haul in just four ODI appearances as New Zealand, sent in to bat, managed 255-9 in their 50 overs at the National Stadium. Mohammad Rizwan (77 not out), skipper Babar Azam (66) and Fakhar Zaman (56) then helped Pakistan cruise to victory with 11 balls to spare.
In conclusion, New Zealand clinched the ODI series by winning the third ODI against Pakistan by 2 wickets. Glenn Phillips was the standout player for the Kiwis, scoring 63 runs off 42 balls. Fakhar Zaman scored a century for Pakistan, contributing 101 runs in 122 balls. Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, with batting figures of 3-56. The series was tied 1-1 before this match, Pakistan won the first ODI, New Zealand won the second ODI and New Zealand won the third ODI.
