Pakistan vs New Zealand 2023

'Pura NZ A team to yahan IPL khel rha' - Fans react as Pakistan beat New Zealand in 3rd ODI by 26 runs, register first series win over Black Caps in 12 years

Pakistan beat New Zealand by 26 runs in the third ODI to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

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Akshay
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PAK vs NZ 3rd ODI

PAK vs NZ 3rd ODI (Source: Twitter)

PAK vs NZ 3rd ODI PAK vs NZ 3rd ODI (Source: Twitter)

Pakistan made history in Karachi on Wednesday, May 3, as they defeated New Zealand by 26 runs in the third ODI to win their first 50-over series against the Black Caps in 12 years. Babar Azam and Co grabbed an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, showing their dominance in the world cup year. Earlier, NZ had denied the hosts a T20 series win, but the Men in Green did well to defend 287 runs in the 3rd ODI and clinch the series.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Pakistan did not get much contribution from their in-form Fakhar Zaman this time as he was dismissed for 19 runs in the ninth over. However, his opening partner Imam-ul-Haq was on a song and he was well supported by Babar. The pair put up 98 runs for the second wicket before Matt Henry dismissed the PAK skipper in the 29th over.

Babar made a 62-ball 54 for his 26th half-century, while Haq scored a 107-ball 90 for his 16th half-century.  There were handy contributions from Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman and Shadab Khan towards the end of the innings which helped them to post a respectable total of 287. Henry, who took three wickets, was the pick of the bowlers. Adam Milne picked up two wickets and Cole McConchie took one wicket.

In reply, Tom Blundell (65 off 78) and Will Young (33 off 41) put on a brilliant 82-run partnership for the first wicket and dominated in the chase. But Young's run-out flipped the script, putting Pakistan in command. Both openers gave a solid start to their innings and captain Tom Latham also played a valuable knock. McConchie played a brilliant cameo, but his unbeaten 64 went in vain as wickets fell at one end at regular intervals.

Speaking after their series win, Babar said: “It’s always a relief when you win a series and it was a good team effort. We put (on) a good total and then (the) bowlers were outstanding. The focus is now to not relax and come out strongly for the next two matches and hopefully we can continue to give one hundred percent."

Pakistan’s last ODI series win over Kiwis was in 2011. The final two matches will take place in Karachi on Friday and Sunday.

Here's how fans reacted to Pakistan's win:

Pakistan New Zealand PAK vs NZ