Pakistan have won the toss and chosen to bat first against New Zealand in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday. The high-stakes match sees both teams eager to claim the series title, with Pakistan making one change in their lineup, bringing in Faheem Ashraf to replace Mohammad Hasnain.
New Zealand, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, also made a strategic adjustment, replacing opener Rachin Ravindra with pacer Lockie Ferguson, aiming to strike early and disrupt Pakistan’s batting order. Santner emphasized the importance of taking quick wickets to pressure Pakistan on their home turf.
Also Read: Pak vs NZ: New Zealand Choose to Bat First Against Pakistan in Historic Tri-Nation Opener
Both captains shared their game plans, with Pakistan captain Babar Azam confident of utilizing home advantage and New Zealand prepared to mount an aggressive bowling attack.
In the previous match, Pakistan secured their place in the final with an impressive chase against South Africa. Led by centuries from Salman Ali Agha (134) and Mohammad Rizwan (122*), they chased down 353 runs to win by six wickets. The pair’s historic fourth-wicket partnership of 233 runs was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory, despite an early wobble in the top order.
As Pakistan and New Zealand battle it out in the final, cricket fans are eager to see if Pakistan can extend their winning momentum or if New Zealand can capitalize on their bowling strength to clinch the trophy.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke.
