Can Pakistan win at home?
It’s the Final of the Pakistan tri-series with the hosts coming into the final off the back of a record run-chase thanks to Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. They will be up against New Zealand who have looked unstoppable in the tri-series and it should be a close and exciting encounter. With this being the final ODI game for both the teams before the Champions Trophy as well, there will be plenty to play for, for both teams aside from the final as well.
Ahead of the Pakistan tri-series final between Pakistan and New Zealand, here’s our match preview and predictions.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series Final | Pakistan Tri-nation Series 2025 | 14:30 IST, February 14
After a disappointing batting performance against New Zealand, Pakistan pulled up their socks when it mattered as Rizwan and Salman Agha took the hosts home in a record ODI chase for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman has been amongst the runs as well and amongst the top order, its only their former captain Babar Azam left to put up a good score. Pakistan’s biggest worry though, will be their bowling as they have conceded 300+ in both the games. With Haris Rauf out injured, Shaheed Afridi and Naseem Shah are the lead pacers but both have been leaking runs at the top and death. Abrar Ahmed has been the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with Salman Agha also chipping in with a couple of crucial overs and wickets when needed.
New Zealand on the other hand have been near flawless. Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips have all been amongst the runs with New Zealand chasing 305 in their previous game with their veteran star Williamson anchoring a pitch-perfect chase. Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell have been key with the ball for the Kiwis while Will O’Rourke has also chipped in with the wicket although he has been going for some runs.
The final will be played at Karachi, the same ground where Pakistan recorded their record ODI chase against South Africa and the final should have plenty of runs on offer with hosts Pakistan’s current form giving them a slight edge over the Kiwis in the final.
Fantasy XI: Devon Conway, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Matt Henry
Venue: Karachi
Winners Prediction: Pakistan
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