Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) are all set to face each other in the final clash of the Pakistan ODI Tri-series, at the renowned National Stadium in Karachi, on Friday, February 14.The Mohammad Rizwan-led side started the series on a poor note, as they suffered a 78-run defeat at the hands of the Kiwis in Lahore. However, they put their past performance behind them and made a resounding comeback in the 3rd ODI of the fixture against South Africa. Bowling first, the hosts had a poor outing with the ball as they were smashed all around the park, which eventually led to the Protease putting in a big total of 352 runs. In reply, the Men in Green calmly chased down the target, thanks to a remarkable 260-run partnership between centurions Mohammad Rizwan (122*) and Salman Agha (134). The side won the game by six wickets and an over to spare.Meanwhile, the BlackCaps under Mitchell Santner's captaincy have played an incredible brand of cricket. Winning both their games against Pakistan (by 78 runs) and South Africa (six wickets), respectively they raced themselves to the final. With the Champions Trophy beginning in just a week, the visitors will be hoping to win this series and take the same confidence in the prestigious event.Match DetailsMatch Pakistan vs New Zealand, Final, Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan 2025Venue National Stadium, Karachi Date & Time Friday, February 14, 2025 , 2:30 PM (IST) Live Broadcast and Streaming Details Sports18/Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar (app & website)Pitch ReportThe National Stadium in Karachi is expected to provide favourable batting conditions. Fast bowlers may find some movement early on, but batting will become easier as the match progresses. Known for its flat surface, the pitch allows batters to play their shots freely. Spinners might get some assistance as the ball ages, though a significant turn is unlikely. Captains winning the toss may opt to bat first.Head-To-Head RecordMatches Played 117 Won by Pakistan 61 Won by New Zealand 52 Tied 01 No Result 03 First-ever Fixture Feb 11, 1973 Most-recent Fixture Feb 08, 2025PAK vs NZ Predicted Playing 11Pakistan (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.PAK vs NZ Probable Best PerformersProbable Best Batter: Kane WilliamsonNew Zealand star batter Kane Williamson could be the best batter in the summit clash against hosts Pakistan. With 191 runs in two matches, the right-hander is the second-highest run-getter of the series and his performance will be crucial in the upcoming game. The veteran batter in the opener against the same opponents scored 58 and followed it up with an impressive 133* to guide his side to the final. With this match being the last preparatory game ahead of the Champions Trophy, Williamson will be looking to once again contribute with the bat at the fullest.Probable Best Bowler: Shaheen AfridiPakistan's star speedster Shaheen Afridi could be the best bowler in the game against the Kiwis. With five wickets in two matches, Afridi has delivered for the team in both games. While he has conceded runs at a higher rate, the fiery pacer often picked up wickets for his side whenever required. Hence, he will be high on confidence and will hope to perform the same way he has one final time in this series.Today's Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the matchScenario 1Pakistan win the toss and opt to bat firstwin the toss and opt to bat first Powerplay: 40-50PAK: 340-350Pakistan win the matchScenario 2New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat firstwin the toss and opt to bat first Powerplay: 50-60NZ: 350-360New Zealand win the matchDisclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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