NZ vs PAK Playing 11, ODI Tri-Series Final: New Zealand vs Pakistan Probable XI, Preview, Weather & Pitch Report

NZ vs PAK Playing 11, ODI Tri-Series Final: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as New Zealand (NZ) and Pakistan (PAK) lock horns in the Final of the ODI Tri-Nation Series 2025.

The high-stakes clash is scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2025, at the National Stadium, Karachi, with play commencing at 2:30 PM IST. With both teams eyeing the trophy, this match also serves as a vital preparation before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Match Information

• Match: NZ vs PAK, Final, Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, 2025
• Date: Friday, February 14, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

New Zealand vs Pakistan Weather & Pitch Report

Weather:

The weather in Karachi is expected to be mostly sunny in the afternoon with temperatures around 30°C. By the evening, clear skies will prevail with temperatures dropping to 23-24°C. There is no chance of rain, ensuring a full game without interruptions.

Pitch Report:

The National Stadium pitch has favoured batters lately, with an average first-innings total of 246 in all ODIs. However, the last five games have seen 310+ scores, indicating a high-scoring contest. The surface provides good bounce and carry, allowing stroke-makers to thrive. Spinners might come into play during the second innings under the lights.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Preview

Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) will clash in the highly anticipated final of the ODI Tri-Series 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, February 14. Both teams have performed impressively in the tournament and will be eager to claim the title just ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

New Zealand have been the most dominant side in the series, winning both of their matches convincingly. They secured a 78-run victory over Pakistan in their opening game before defeating South Africa by six wickets. The Kiwis' top order, led by Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips, has been in red-hot form, while Matt Henry has spearheaded the bowling attack efficiently.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have had a mixed campaign. After suffering a heavy loss against New Zealand, they bounced back in spectacular fashion against South Africa. In a record-breaking run chase, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman starred with magnificent centuries to help their team overhaul a massive 353-run target. However, Pakistan’s bowling has been a concern, with Shaheen Afridi being their only consistent wicket-taker.

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan

• Shaheen Afridi: The left-arm pacer has taken five wickets in the series but will need to improve his economy rate.
• Fakhar Zaman: A dangerous top-order batter who can change the game with his explosive stroke play.
• Salman Agha: The highest run-scorer for Pakistan in this series, coming off a century against South Africa.

New Zealand

• Kane Williamson: The Kiwi skipper has been in sublime form, scoring 191 runs in two matches.
• Glenn Phillips: Scored a ton against Pakistan earlier in the tournament and is a key finisher.
• Matt Henry: The leading wicket-taker in the series with five wickets.

NZ vs PAK Probable Playing 11:

New Zealand:

Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke

Pakistan:

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed

Injury Update:

No major injury concerns for either team. Both sides are expected to field their strongest XIs.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Full Squads

New Zealand Squad:

Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Nathan Smith, Lockie Ferguson.

Pakistan Squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Usman Khan.