PAK vs NZ Final: Pakistan and New Zealand are set to clash in the grand finale at the National Stadium in Karachi. Both teams have been impressive, with Pakistan showcasing their batting firepower and New Zealand displaying a well-balanced approach. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, this final is more than just about the trophy—it’s about gaining momentum and confidence.
Pakistan’s batting has been in top form, led by Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, but their bowling needs to step up. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s steady top order and disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner, make them a formidable opponent. Expect a high-intensity battle as both teams aim for Tri-Series glory.
Match Details
- Match: Final
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Date & Time: Friday, 14th February, 14:30 PKT
- Series: ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2025
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Wins | Losses | Tied | No Result | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 61 | 52 | 1 | 3 | 53.51% |
| New Zealand | 52 | 61 | 1 | 3 | 45.61% |
Pitch Report
The National Stadium in Karachi has traditionally been a batting-friendly venue, with an average first-innings score of 237 in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The pitch offers good bounce and carry, facilitating stroke play, while the relatively shorter boundaries encourage aggressive batting. However, seamers can extract early movement, especially under lights, and spinners often find assistance during the middle overs.
A notable trend at this venue is the balanced success between teams batting first and those chasing. Out of 76 ODIs played here, teams batting first have won 36 times, while teams batting second have secured 37 victories. This balance makes the toss decision crucial, as captains must weigh the benefits of setting a target against the potential challenges of chasing under lights, where dew can be a significant factor.
ODI Statistics at National Stadium, Karachi:
- Total Matches Played: 77
- Batting First Wins: 36
- Batting Second Wins: 38
- Tied Matches: 0
- No Result Matches: 3
- Average First Innings Score: 237
- Highest Team Score: India’s 374/4 against Hong Kong on June 25, 2008
- Lowest Team Score: Pakistan Women’s 93 all out against Sri Lanka Women
Weather Conditions:
On February 12, 2025, Karachi is expected to experience hot conditions with plenty of sunshine. The high temperature is forecasted to be around 33°C (91°F), cooling down to approximately 13°C (56°F) in the evening. Dew could become a factor in the second innings, potentially making it challenging for bowlers to grip the ball. No rain is anticipated, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Toss Impact:
Given the balanced win record between teams batting first and second, the toss decision at the National Stadium can be pivotal. Captains might prefer to bowl first to take advantage of early seam movement and to mitigate the challenges posed by dew in the later stages of the game.
PAK vs NZ Final Lineups
Pakistan (PAK):
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(wk/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand (NZ):
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke.
Probable Best Players
Pakistan:
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Batsman: Fakhar Zaman has been instrumental at the top of the order, providing aggressive starts. His recent form, including a swift 84 against New Zealand, makes him a pivotal player in setting a strong foundation.
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Bowler: Shaheen Afridi, leading Pakistan’s pace attack, has the ability to make early breakthroughs. His performance with the new ball will be crucial in containing New Zealand’s formidable batting lineup.
New Zealand:
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Batsman: Kane Williamson has been the cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting, with a notable innings against South Africa where he showcased his class and composure. His leadership and ability to anchor the innings are vital for the team’s success.
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Bowler: Mitchell Santner, serving as both captain and lead spinner, has been effective in the middle overs. His knack for breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure makes him a key figure in New Zealand’s bowling strategy.
PAK vs NZ Final Prediction
Scenario 1: Pakistan Batting First
- Projected Score: 300-310 runs
- Reasoning: Pakistan’s top order, featuring Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, thrives on flat tracks, and the Karachi surface should allow them to play their shots freely. Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s ability to rotate strike in the middle overs will be crucial, while Khushdil Shah can provide the late flourish. However, facing New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner, Pakistan will need to ensure they don’t lose early wickets.
Scenario 2: New Zealand Batting First
- Projected Score: 280-290 runs
- Reasoning: New Zealand’s experienced batters, including Kane Williamson and Devon Conway, are capable of building strong foundations. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell add firepower in the middle overs, while Tom Latham’s finishing ability will be key. However, Pakistan’s pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah could make early inroads, and Abrar Ahmed’s spin could be a deciding factor in the middle phase.
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