On the back of a terrific knock from Glenn Phillips, New Zealand registered a thrilling two-wicket win against Pakistan in the third and final ODI at the National Stadium in Karachi on January 13 (Friday). As a result, the Black Caps pocketed the three-match series 2-1 and registered their first-ever ODI series win against Pakistan in Pakistan. Phillips played an unbeaten knock 63 runs off 42 balls with the help of four fours and as many sixes and dug his team out of a precarious position.
Chasing a tricky target of 281 runs, the Kiwis started the run chase in ominous style but completely lost their way during the middle overs. Finn Allen (25 runs off 25 balls) was the first batter to depart, leaving New Zealand at 43/1. Devon Conway (52 runs off 65 balls) and captain Kane Williamson (53 runs off 68 balls) stitched a solid 65-run stand for the second wicket before the former walked back to the pavilion after being dismissed by Agha Salman.
Williamson then stitched a 52-run stand with Daryl Mitchell (31 runs off 36 balls) before Agha Salman once again broke the partnership by sending the latter back to the hut. From 108/1 to 181/5 and then 205/6, the Black Caps lost all momentum and at that moment it seemed like Pakistan will run away with the game.
It was Phillips' breathtaking batting display in Karachi as the right-handed batter tormented the Pakistan bowling attack with relative ease. Wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan dropped a regulation catch behind the stumps and handed the right-handed batter a life, which turned out to be a grave error as Phillips willed his team to victory with 11 balls to spare.
Salman and Mohammad Wasim Jr bagged two wickets each while Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir bagged a wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that backfired quickly with Shan Masood (0 off two balls) and Babar Azam (four runs off 13 balls) departed cheaply, leaving the Men in Green tottering at 21/2. Fakhar Zaman (101 runs off 122 balls) smashed a fantastic century and found an able ally in Rizwan (77 runs off 74 balls). The duo registered a 154-run stand for the third wicket which played a major role in Pakistan posting 280/9 in 50 overs. Salman (45 runs off 43 balls) also played a handy cameo with the bat.
Tim Southee was the pick of all Kiwi bowlers as he bagged three wickets, Lockie Ferguson accounted for two wickets while Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi pocketed a wicket each.
