Pakistan win toss, opts to bat first in tri nation series final

Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand in the final match of the tri-nation series at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.

Pakistan made one change in the playing XI as Faheem Ashraf replaced Mohammad Hasnain.

New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner also made one change to his team, bringing in Lockie Ferguson for opener Rachin Ravindra.

Santner highlighted the team’s intent to take early wickets and put pressure on the Pakistani team.

Both captains shared their strategies ahead of a highly anticipated final, with Pakistan aiming to capitalize on their home advantage and New Zealand looking to disrupt their plans with early breakthroughs.

Previously, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan scored centuries to lead Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over South Africa at National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

This win secured Pakistan’s spot in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series, as they chased down a challenging target of 353 runs.

The pair set a new record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership in a Pakistan ODI run chase. Agha scored 134 off 103 balls, while Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 from 128 balls. Agha hit 16 fours and two sixes, while Rizwan hit nine fours and three sixes.

Despite a shaky start with early wickets, Pakistan recovered thanks to Agha and Rizwan’s historic partnership.

Captain Babar Azam was dismissed for 23 runs, and Fakhar Zaman (41) and Saud Shakeel (15) followed quickly. At 91/3.

Pakistan progressed to the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series, where they would face the winner of the other semifinal.

Playing XIs

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 ORourke