In the fifth One-Day International (ODI) at the National Cricket Arena, New Zealand emerged victorious against Pakistan, preventing the latter from achieving a series whitewash.
Pakistan secured a 4-1 series win, and they fell to third place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Rankings only 48 hours after reaching the top spot for the first time in their history.
Pakistani power hitter Iftikhar Ahmed apologized to the fans for the team’s failure to win the final match. Although Iftikhar scored an unbeaten 94, his efforts were insufficient to help Pakistan achieve the 300-run target.
In a Twitter message, Iftikhar said, “I am sorry, Pakistan. We should’ve ended on the right side of the match, but it wasn’t to be. Nevertheless, I am enjoying my cricket and thankful for the return to the ODI arena.”
The New Zealand bowlers kept taking wickets regularly, making it difficult for Pakistan to maintain momentum.
Agha Salman from Pakistan also played a notable innings, contributing 57 runs to the team’s total. Agha and Iftikhar built a solid 97-run partnership, providing Pakistan with some hope of winning the match after losing early wickets. However, New Zealand’s Henry Shipley and Rachin Ravindra took three wickets each, ultimately leading their team to victory.
Pakistan had briefly held the top spot in the ODI cricket rankings after defeating New Zealand by a significant margin of 102 runs in the fourth ODI. However, New Zealand’s consolation victory in the final match dashed their aspirations of a clean series sweep. Consequently, Pakistan slipped to third place with 112 points, Australia claimed the top spot with 113 points, and India secured second place with the same number of points.
 to New Zealand, preventing a whitewash. The defeat caused Pakistan to fall to No. 3 in the ICC Men's ODI Rankings just 48 hours after claiming the top spot for the first time in history.){kind=link}