National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report For NZ vs PAK Final In ODI Tri-Series

Jatin

National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report [Source: @developingpak/x.com]National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report [Source: @developingpak/x.com]

It is all set for the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-series as New Zealand squares of with Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, February 14. Both sides have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the series and will look to lift the trophy and head into the Champions Trophy 2025 with winning momentum on their side.

New Zealand

New Zealand have been nothing short of impressive under the leadership of Mitchell Santner. The BlackCaps made a statement early in the series, defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in Lahore before comfortably chasing down a target to beat South Africa by six wickets.

With the Champions Trophy approaching rapidly, New Zealand will aim to continue their winning ways and carry that confidence into the high-voltage event. Will Young and Matt Henry have been standout performers for the Kiwis and the team will rely heavily on their contributions once again as the aim to win the trophy.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s journey in the tri-series has been a tale of two halves. Mohammad Rizwan's side started on a sour note as they lost to New Zealand by 78 runs in their opening game. But the Men in Green found their rhythm in the next match against South Africa.

Despite conceding a massive 352 runs, Pakistan chased it down with an over to spare, courtesy of a stunning 260-run stand between centurions Mohammad Rizwan (122*) and Salman Agha (134). The hosts will be keen to build on that momentum and avenge their earlier loss to New Zealand.

National Stadium Karachi Stats And Records In ODIs

Criterion
Data
Matches Played77
Matches Won Batting 1st36
Matches Won Bowling 1st38
Average 1st Innings Score239
Average 2nd Innings Score204


National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report: Is It Batting or Bowling Friendly?

Expect a high-scoring encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi, much like the last game at Gaddafi Stadium. The pitch here is known for being a batting track once the early movement for pacers dies down. The ball will come on nicely, allowing batters to play their strokes freely. While spinners could find some turn as the ball gets older, it won’t be turn much.

The weather will be sunny on match day, meaning reverse swing could come into play in the later stages of the game, particularly after the 35th over. Given the conditions, the toss-winning captain might prefer bowling first as batting becomes easier under lights.

Players To Watch Out For At National Stadium Karachi

Mohammad Rizwan 

  • Mohammad Rizwan has been in red-hot form recently and remains Pakistan’s most reliable batter. With 345 runs in his last 10 ODIs at an average of 69, Rizwan is a calm head in tense chases and a master at pacing his innings.
  • His century partnership with Salman Agha in the previous game was a perfect example of his composure under pressure. Expect him to anchor Pakistan’s innings once again.

Will Young 

  • New Zealand’s top-order batter Will Young has been a consistent performer for the BlackCaps. With 374 runs in his last 10 ODIs at an average of 46.75, he has proven to be a rock at the top of the order.
  • His ability to rotate the strike and find the boundary regularly makes him a key figure in New Zealand’s batting unit. If he gets set, Pakistan’s bowlers will have a tough time.

Matt Henry 

  • Matt Henry has been sensational with the ball, picking up 14 wickets in his last 5 matches at a remarkable economy of 4.57.
  • Known for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver in the death overs, Henry is a genuine threat in any conditions. His knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments will be important for New Zealand in this high-stakes game.

P.S: Apart from these players, the eyes will be on Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips.