Pakistan cricket team have taken the hard way to reach the mini tri-series final, where they will take on New Zealand for the title at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday. While the Black Caps won both their matches against hosts Pakistan and South Africa to reach the final, the home side had to complete a record chase in Karachi against South Africa to reach the summit clash.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan struck an unbeaten 122 off 128 balls and all-rounder Salman Agha notched his maiden ODI hundred with 134 off 103 balls as they cruised Pakistan to 355 for 4 in 49 overs for a six-wicket win over the Proteas on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s previous highest successful chase was 349 against Australia at Lahore in 2022. South Africa had earlier posted 352 for 5 — fourth-highest total at the newly upgraded National Bank Stadium — with Heinrich Klaasen (87), Matthew Breetzke (83) and captain Temba Bavuma (82) all missing out on centuries.
Even New Zealand had to overhaul a 305-run target against South Africa to book their final berth. They achieved a target thanks to former captain Kane Williamson’s brilliant 14th ODI ton – 133 not out. It was the second time in three days that South Africa lost after posting over 300 runs as it failed to defend 304 against New Zealand on Monday.
Rizwan and Salman shared a Pakistan record of 260 runs in a match-winning fourth-wicket stand. With frontline pace bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen joining the South Africa squad for Champions Trophy over the weekend, the three pace bowlers couldn’t pose threat to the pair of Rizwan and Salman in ideal batting conditions.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam made 23 off 19 balls in the opening stand of 57 off 37 balls before Mulder pinned him leg before wicket.
A look at New Zealand’s preparations for the tri-series title clash
Pakistan
#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/FnnELb4po7
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 13, 2025
Here are all the details about Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final…
When is Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final going to take place?
The Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final will take place on Friday, February 14.
Where is Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final going to take place?
The Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi.
What time will Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final start?
The Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final will begin at 230pm IST. The toss for the match will be held at 2pm.
Where can I watch Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final on TV in India?
The Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final will be available LIVE on TV on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD and HD channels in India.
How can I watch livestreaming of Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final in India?
The Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final will be available for livestreaming on FanCode website and app.
Pakistan vs New Zealand 2025 tri-series ODI final Predicted 11
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham/Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears/Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke