KARACHI (Kashmir English): Pakistan and New Zealand will come up against each other in what is expected to be a high-octane final match of the ongoing Tri-Nation ODI series today (Friday, February 14).
The clash will be played at the newly renovated National Stadium in Karachi. The match will start at 2:30 pm.
Pakistan
The hosts lost the first game in the Tri-Nation series against New Zealand but pulled off a record-breaking chase in their second outing against South Africa.
It was an evening full of records as Mohammad Rizwan and teammates edged past South Africa by taking down a mammoth 353-run target. They also qualified for the final.
Pakistan had their shortcomings with the ball but their batting effort in the last game is likely to give them a lot of confidence coming into the final.
New Zealand
The Black Caps have been the most consistent team in the ongoing series, having won each of their two games so far.
Defeating both Pakistan and South Africa on their way, New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the Tri-Nation series final.
Kane Williamson has been the top scorer for the kiwis, while Matt Henry is leading the bowling charts.
Pak vs NZ head-to-head in ODIs
Pakistan and New Zealand have so far played 117 matches out of which Pakistan have won 61 matches while New Zealand won 52 games and one ending with no result.
The series is being played in the run up to the ICC Champions Trophy beginning on 19 February in Karachi as the cricket lovers are gearing up for an exhilarating tournament.
Interestingly, both Pakistan and New Zealand will play the opening match. The 2025 edition of the tournament, like the previous ones, is likely to present high-stakes encounters, including some of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
