Tame Pakistan lose tri-series final to New Zealand in Champions Trophy rehearsal

Days after scripting a record chase of 353 against South Africa, Pakistan were given a harsh reality check by a clinical New Zealand in the final of the ODI tri-series on Friday, 14 February. Mitchell Santner's side chased down 243 with five wickets to spare at the National Stadium in Karachi, laying down a marker ahead of the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.

New Zealand won all three matches in the tri-series, asserting their dominance over Pakistan twice in the tournament. The two teams will meet again at the same venue next Wednesday in the opening match of the Champions Trophy.

Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand have made it clear they are serious contenders for the ultimate prize.



Clinical with the ball and effortless with the bat, the Black Caps looked a cut above both Pakistan and South Africa in the tri-series, which served as a crucial tune-up for the big challenge ahead.

Interestingly, this triumph marks New Zealand's first victory in a multi-nation men's ODI tournament since 2005, when they defeated India in the final of a tri-series in Harare.

Captain Santner, however, played down the dominant run in the tri-series, saying New Zealand will need to start afresh in the Champions Trophy.

"It is nice to win tonight. Different guys stepping up at different times is good. It means nothing till we play that first game at the Champions Trophy," Santner said.