Pakistan & New Zealand Set for Thrilling Showdown in ODI Tri-Series Finale

As the ODI tri-nation series nears its end, Pakistan and unbeaten New Zealand gear up for a thrilling final in Karachi. The match, a precursor to next week's Champions Trophy, promises high-stakes action. Both teams hope to carry winning momentum as standout players aim to deliver decisive performances.

As the ODI tri-nation series nears its conclusion, hosts Pakistan are set to face undefeated New Zealand in Friday's final at Karachi's National Stadium. The clash serves as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy opener, slated for the same venue next week.

New Zealand has dominated the tri-nation series, which includes Pakistan and South Africa, displaying stellar performance under sub-continent conditions. In their initial match against Pakistan, the Kiwis secured a commanding 78-run victory, with significant contributions from Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and Mitchell Santner on a pitch favoring batters.

Meanwhile, Pakistan gained momentum with a decisive win against South Africa, chasing a massive target of 353 runs, thanks to remarkable centuries from Salman Agha and captain Mohammad Rizwan. However, form issues linger for Babar Azam, who has struggled to produce substantial scores.

The upcoming final sees both teams eager to take winning momentum into the Champions Trophy. The match is expected to focus on bowling performance, despite the tournament's history of being a batsman's paradise. The final will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.

Pakistan's squad includes players like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi, while New Zealand will field stars like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and captain Mitchell Santner.

(With inputs from agencies.)