New Zealand emerges victorious in 5th ODI to avoid whitewash

KARACHI: New Zealand secured a 47-run victory against Pakistan in the fifth and final match of the one-day international (ODI) series held at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Sunday.

Iftikhar Ahmed's effort went in vain as the Kiwis contained Pakistan to 252 runs. 

The right-handed batter made a solid effort to help Pakistan chase down 300 runs but wickets falling after regular intervals made it difficult for the home side. The right-hand middle-order batter scored 94 not out including eight boundaries and two maximums.

Agha Salman also remained prominent with the bat as he scored 57 runs. Agha and Iftikhar stitched a 97-run partnership to take Pakistan back into the competition after losing quick wickets at the top. 

Henry Shipley and Rachin Ravindra claim three wickets apiece, contributing to New Zealand's triumph. Following this defeat, Pakistan also lost their top spot in the ICC ODI rankings.

Earlier, Pakistani bowlers controlled the flow of runs in the last phase of the first innings as they managed to bowl out New Zealand for 299.

At one stage, New Zealand were looking to post 300+ runs on the scoreboard but a solid comeback by Pakistani bowlers restricted them below the 300-run mark.

Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled brilliantly in the death overs followed by Haris Rauf. The potent bowling duo helped Pakistan gain momentum in the end.

After deciding to bat first, New Zealand lost their opener Tom Blundell earlier but Will Young set the tone for the visitors. Young led his team from the front, scoring 87 runs off 91 balls including eight boundaries and two maximums.

Young and Henry Nicholls (23) partnered strongly for a 51-run partnership. Later on, Young joined hands with skipper Tom Latham to score 74 runs together. Latham contributed worthy 59 runs.

Mark Chapman, at one stage, gained momentum, but Shadab Khan took his priced scalp. He scored 43 runs off 33 balls.

Shaheen took three wickets, Usama Mir, and Shadab Khan bagged two wickets each whereas Haris and Mohammad Wasim Jr shared a wicket apiece. 

Squads

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf

New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Mark Chapman, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Will Young

— This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.