PAK vs NZ: Pakistan wins first ODI series against New Zealand in 12 years

In the third match on Wednesday in Karachi, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by a close margin of 26 runs to win the series against them for the first time in 12 years. In order to lead Pakistan to 287-6 in their 50 overs, Imam-ul-Haq struck a 107-ball 90, while Babar Azam made a 62-ball 54 for his 26th ODI half-century. New Zealand’s opener Tom Blundell scored 65 and rookie Cole McConchie blasted an unbeaten 45-ball 64, but the tourists were bowled out for 261 in 49.1 overs.

Pakistan established a commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match series after winning the first two games at Rawalpindi by margins of five and seven wickets, respectively.

A valiant effort from New Zealand, but Pakistan take an unassailable lead in the series with third successive win 🙌#PAKvNZ | https://t.co/yeod6eVmbh pic.twitter.com/plrkKpa6A3

— ICC (@ICC) May 3, 2023

Series sealed 🙌

Victory achieved in the third ODI by 2️⃣6️⃣ runs as we extend the lead to 3️⃣-0️⃣ #PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/cfgmbxQz7F

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 3, 2023

“Winning a series and it was a good team effort is always a relief,” remarked Azam. The bowlers were great, and we put up a solid total. The emphasis right now is to stay focused, to play hard in the next two games, and to hopefully keep giving everything we have.”

On Friday and Sunday, respectively, Karachi will host the final two games.

Since winning the last ODI series against New Zealand in 2011, Pakistan has lost six of the other seven series, with one series ending in a draw.

This is particularly encouraging for Pakistan, as the ODI World Cup is going to be held later this year.