Pakistan Wins Toss, Opts to Set a Target
Pakistan has elected to bat first in the final of the tri-nation series against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday. Both teams made one change to their playing XIs, aiming for the perfect combination in this much-anticipated clash.
Team Updates
- Pakistan replaced Mohammad Hasnain with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, reinforcing their bowling and lower-order batting.
- New Zealand brought in pacer Lockie Ferguson for opener Rachin Ravindra, focusing on early breakthroughs with the ball.
Captain’s Outlook
Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand skipper, emphasized the importance of taking early wickets to disrupt Pakistan’s plans. On the other hand, Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in batting first, hoping to utilize the home advantage to set a challenging total.
Pakistan’s Path to the Final
Pakistan booked their spot in the final after an incredible six-wicket victory over South Africa earlier in the series. Key highlights from that match include:
- Salman Ali Agha’s career-best 134 off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes.
- Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 122 off 128 deliveries, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes.
The duo forged a record-breaking 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket, rescuing Pakistan from 91/3 during their chase of 353 runs. Despite early setbacks, including the dismissals of Babar Azam (23), Fakhar Zaman (41), and Saud Shakeel (15), the team’s middle order displayed remarkable resilience.
Playing XIs for the Final
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.
Match Preview
With Pakistan aiming to capitalize on their batting strength and New Zealand focusing on early breakthroughs, this final promises an exciting showdown. Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan, coming off stellar performances, will be key to Pakistan’s batting. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s experienced pace attack, bolstered by Lockie Ferguson, will look to unsettle the hosts early.
Who will claim the tri-nation series title? Stay tuned for updates from Karachi!
