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Mohammad Rizwan Brings In X-Factor As Pakistan Opt To Bat In Tri-Series Final

Sakshi Sharma

Pakistan won the toss and opts to bat first (Source:@DSBcricket,x.com)Pakistan won the toss and opts to bat first (Source:@DSBcricket,x.com)

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In the much-awaited final of the Tri-nation series at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan has won the toss and opted to bat first against New Zealand on February 14.  It is important to mention that, the 'Men in Green' have made a crucial change to their playing XI for the final showdown. They have brought in all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in place of pacer Mohammad Hasnain. 

New Zealand, on the other hand will enter this match in a hope  to maintain their dominant run after securing their place in the final with commanding performances against both Pakistan and South Africa. Pakistan’s road to the final was far from smooth, as they bounced back in style by chasing down a record total in a virtual semi-final against South Africa. 

Both teams have suffered injury concerns during the series. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra will miss the match after taking a blow to the head while attempting a catch. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Haris Rauf missed the last game due to a muscle sprain in his lower back and will also miss this match as well.

TOSS UPDATE: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bat first

PAK vs NZ Tri-Nation Series Final: Playing XIs

Pakistan's Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand's Playing XI: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William O'Rourke

PAK vs NZ Tri-Nation Series Final: Captains' Thoughts

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain): " Yeah, we are chasing. Looks like slightly less grass in the wicket. But this should play good and be good for batting. Need to pick early wickets. I guess boys have played here a lot, we are lucky to have come here to Pakistan many times. Every time you play for your country you play to win, but you need to look at the bigger picture. And be focused on our target to win the Champions trophy. We have two changes : Matt Henry and Ben Sears are out. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith in. 

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan Captain): "We are going to bat first. The pitch looks different. It looks dry. We are preparing ourselves for 19th of February as well. Yeah Bazid bhai, it was the highest run-chase in ODIs for Pakistan so it was an unbelievable feeling. They gave us the momentum and also the confidence. It's done now. It's a new day for me today and we want to give our best today.  No, we are trying to do our best in all the three formats. We are trying to fix everything. The culture in the team is really good. We have 1 change. Mohammad Hasnain is OUT. Faheem Ashraf is IN."