New Zealand beat Pakistan by 2 wickets, clinch the ODI series

• Glenn Phillips starred as New Zealand beat Pakistan by two wickets in Karachi.
• Pakistan posted a respectable target of 281 runs on the scoreboard.
• Kiwis chased down the target in 48.1 overs with Tim Southee taking 3-56.

Glenn Phillips shined as New Zealand beat Pakistan by two wickets in the third ODI to clinch the three-match series by 2-1 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Friday.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a respectable target of 281 runs on the scoreboard, but the Kiwis chased down the target in 48.1 overs. The middle-order batter was sensational as he scored 63 runs off 42 balls, including four boundaries and an equal number of maximums.

Earlier, Fakhar Zaman scored a century as Pakistan set New Zealand a target of 281 runs. Zaman scored 101 runs in 122 balls with the help of 10 fours and a six. After losing Shan Masood (0) and Babar Azam (4) early, Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan stitched a brilliant partnership of 154 runs to put New Zealand on the back foot.

Rizwan scored 77 runs, which included six boundaries, in 74 balls. Meanwhile, Agha Salman scored 45 runs in 43 balls to provide impetus at the back end of the innings. Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand after batting figures of 3-56.

Earlier, Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bat first against New Zealand. Pakistan have made two changes to their playing XI with Shan Masood and Mohammad Hasnain replacing Imam-ul-Haq and Naseem Shah. Imam and Naseem are suffering from hamstring injury and fever, respectively.

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New Zealand win the series-deciding third ODI courtesy of Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 63.#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/bHttJhDeNu

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 13, 2023

Meanwhile, New Zealand are unchanged for the third ODI.

It must be noted that opener Devon Conway hit a sparkling hundred to help New Zealand achieve a convincing 79-run win over Pakistan in the second ODI in Karachi on Wednesday.

The left-hander scored 101 and captain Kane Williamson made 85 before a collapse which saw New Zealand lose nine wickets for 78 runs and restricted them to 261 all out in 49.5 overs.

Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals and despite a fighting 79 from skipper Babar Azam, the home team were dismissed for 182 to leave the three-match series tied at 1-1.

Earlier, Pakistan strolled to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first ODI on Monday after fast bowler Naseem took five wickets in Karachi.

The 19-year-old grabbed 5-57 for his second five-wicket haul in just four ODI appearances as New Zealand, sent in to bat, managed 255-9 in their 50 overs at the National Stadium.

Mohammad Rizwan (77 not out), skipper Babar Azam (66) and Fakhar Zaman (56) then helped Pakistan cruise to victory with 11 balls to spare.

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