It’s the final of the 2025 Pakistan Tri-nation Series, with the hosts coming into the game on the back of a record chase thanks to the heroics of Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to face New Zealand.
The Kiwis, on their part, have looked unstoppable in the tri-series, so we should be in for a close and exciting encounter. With this being the final ODI game for both the teams before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where they kick off their campaigns against each other, there will be plenty to play for aside from the series trophy itself.
For the game, here are our match preview and predictions.
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After a disappointing batting performance against New Zealand, Pakistan pulled up their socks when it mattered as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha took the team home in a record ODI chase against South Africa. Fakhar Zaman has been among the runs as well. Only their former captain, Babar Azam, is yet to put up a good score.
Pakistan’s biggest worry, though, will be their bowling, given they have conceded 300+ runs in both their games. With Haris Rauf out injured, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are the lead pacers for the Men in Green, but they have been leaking runs at the top as well as the death. Abrar Ahmed has been the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, with Agha also chipping in with a couple of crucial overs and wickets.
New Zealand, on the other hand, have been near flawless. Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips have all been among the runs. The Kiwis chased 305 effortlessly in their previous game, with their veteran star Williamson anchoring the pitch-perfect chase.
With the ball, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell have been key, while Will O’Rourke has also chipped in with wickets, though 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 should have plenty of runs on offer. Based on current form, and given the home advantage, we give Pakistan 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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