![Pakistan will take on NZ in Tri-Nation Final. [Source- AP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739448185861_shaheen_afridi_vs_new_zealand.jpg?type=mq)
Pakistan will take on NZ in Tri-Nation Final. [Source- AP Photos]
Pakistan and New Zealand will come up against each other in the Final match of the ongoing Tri-Nation ODI series on Friday, February 14. The high octane clash will be played at the newly renovated National Stadium in Karachi and the match will begin from 2:30 PM IST.
Pakistan
The hosts have had a hot and cold journey in the Tri-Nation series as they lost the first game against New Zealand but pulled off a record-breaking chase in their second outing against South Africa.
Yes, it was an evening full of records as Mohammad Rizwan and his men edged past South Africa by taking down a mammoth 353-run target to qualify for the final.
The men in green have had their shortcomings with the ball but their batting effort in the last game will give them a lot of confidence coming into the final and lift the series title.
New Zealand
New Zealand have been the most consistent team in the series, having won each of their two games so far.
They became the first team to qualify for the Tri-Nation series final as they defeated both Pakistan and South Africa on their way.
Kane Williamson has been the top scorer for the kiwis, while Matt Henry leading the bowling charts.
Coming into this match, Mitchell Santner and his men will be looking to continue their winning momentum and get their hands on the Tri-Nation series.
PAK vs NZ: Head to head in ODIs
| Matches | Pakistan Win | New Zealand Win | No Result/Tie |
|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | 61 | 52 | 1 |
How will the National Stadium Karachi pitch behave?
The surface at the National Stadium in Karachi is expected to be nothing less than a batting paradise. As we saw in the last game between Pakistan and South Africa, the batters are expected to enjoy their time in the middle with not much help for the bowlers.
Recently, chasing has been more easier as the pitch becomes better for batting as the game goes on under the lights. Hence, the team winning the toss is expected to field first.
Players to watch out for in PAK vs NZ Tri-Nation Final
Pakistan
Shaheen Afridi: Despite the conditions being batting friendly, Shaheen Afridi will be one of the players to watch out for Pakistan in this match. The left-arm pacer has taken 5 wickets in the series so far and is expected to be an important factor for Pakistan in this match.
Fakhar Zaman: Fakhar Zaman is one big innings away and it looks like the southpaw will give his all to take his side over the line in the Final. He has been one of the most in-form players in the series and has the ability to turn the game on its head with his explosive batting at the top of the order.
Salman Agha: Coming on the back of his maiden ODI century against South Africa, Salman Agha will start the final as one of the key players for Pakistan. He is currently the highest run scorer for the host in this series with 174 runs in two matches.
New Zealand
Kane Williamson: Kane Williamson scored a magnificent century in the last match against South Africa and is currently the highest run scorer for New Zealand in this series. In two matches, the dynamic batter has scored 191 runs at an average of 191 and will be eyeing to carry his form in the final.
Glenn Phillips: Glenn Phillips scored his maiden ODI ton when these two sides met earlier in the series. Looking at Pakistan’s limitations with the ball in the last ten overs, Phillips' performance can be a match-deciding one for the Blackcaps.
Matt Henry: Matt Henry is currently sitting at the top of the wicket-taking list with 5 wickets in two matches in the Tri-Nation series. If New Zealand wants to lift the series title, the ace pacer will need to be at his best and take New Zealand over the line.
Today’s Match Prediction: PAK vs NZ, Tri-Nation Final
Predicted top performers
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha.
New Zealand: Glenn Phillips, Kane Williamson, Matt Henry.
PAK vs NZ Tri-Nation Final: Match Predicted Score
Predicted First Innings Score: 350-60 runs
Predicted Second Innings Score: 360 runs
Predicted Result: Team batting second will have a better chance to win this match.
 "Kaushik Kashyap")
