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Pakistan have set a 243-run target for New Zealand to win the tri-nation series trophy.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan succeeded in scoring 242 runs before being dismissed in 49.3 overs, aided by a significant fourth-wicket partnership between captain Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.
The home team experienced a tumultuous beginning to their innings, as their key opener Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the fourth over, with only 16 runs on the scoreboard.
After this early setback, Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam formed a brief partnership of 30 runs before both were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the team at 54/3 after 11.5 overs.
Saud managed a modest eight runs off 14 balls, while Babar contributed 29 runs from 34 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
In response, the in-form batters Agha and Rizwan attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 88 runs to the total.
This vital partnership ended with Rizwan’s dismissal in the 32nd over, followed by Agha’s exit five overs later, which saw Pakistan’s score drop to 161/5.
Rizwan was the top scorer for the home team, accumulating 46 runs off 76 balls, featuring four fours and a six, while Agha scored 45 runs off 65 balls, including one four and a six.
Middle-order batsman Tayyab Tahir formed a brief partnership with Khushdil Shah before both were dismissed within eight deliveries.
Tayyab struck five boundaries and a six, finishing with 38 runs off 33 balls.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf and tailender Naseem Shah contributed crucial runs towards the end, forming a significant 39-run partnership for the ninth wicket, which concluded with Ashraf’s dismissal on the first ball of the final over.
Ashraf scored 22 runs off 21 balls, including two boundaries, while Naseem added 19 runs.
Will O’Rourke emerged as the leading bowler for New Zealand, claiming four wickets for 43 runs in 9.3 overs, while Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner each took two wickets.
