Today, at the remodelled National Bank Stadium in Karachi, the final match of the Tri-Nation ODI Series will pit Pakistan against New Zealand. The match is sure to be an exciting affair. With this encounter serving as a vital tune-up for the ICC Men’s Champions championship, which begins on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, both teams are hungry to take home the championship.
Making it to the final wasn’t an easy feat for Pakistan. Their performance picked up after a losing start in Lahore against New Zealand, as they cruised to a six-wicket victory over South Africa in Karachi. Pakistan, now coached by Mohammad Rizwan, will play host to the championship in an effort to finally get even with New Zealand.
There will likely be a lot of runs scored at National Bank Stadium because of the batting-friendly surface. The likes of Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Fakhar Zaman will lead Pakistan, while the likes of Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips will carry New Zealand’s chances.
In his pre-match remarks, Rizwan defended Babar Azam, who has been under fire for his recent performances, pointing out that Azam is a valuable contributor and a strategic decision for starting the innings. However, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner predicted another exciting match by praising Williamson’s form and acknowledging Pakistan’s good performance against South Africa.
The final is shaping up to be a match between two strong teams: New Zealand’s deep batting lineup and Pakistan’s powerful bowling attack spearheaded by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. What happens if Pakistan’s spinners struggle against New Zealand’s middle order might determine the winner.
Cricket fans are in for a real treat as the two teams unleash their best in this thrilling final match, playing to the finish.
