NZ vs PAK Match Prediction & Analysis Shriram Book
Shriram Book New Zealand and Pakistan will face off in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series final this Friday night in Karachi. The Kiwis have been the most dominant side in the tournament, coming into this match with back-to-back victories and plenty of confidence. Pakistan, on the other hand, may not have been flawless, but their familiarity with local conditions could work in their favor. With home support behind them, they won’t be easy to beat. That said, New Zealand look like the team to beat, making this final a thrilling battle between momentum and home advantage.
TEAMS PREVIEW
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand have been the standout team in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, securing a spot in the final after easing past both Pakistan and South Africa. They started strong with a commanding 78-run victory over the hosts before dismantling the Proteas by six wickets.
With the title now within reach, New Zealand will aim to wrap up the series on a high. Kane Williamson has been the backbone of the batting lineup, racking up 191 runs in just two innings, including a century and a half-century. Daryl Mitchell has chipped in with 91 runs at an aggressive strike rate of 96.80, providing stability in the middle order.
Devon Conway, stepping in for the injured Rachin Ravindra, made an instant impact with a crucial 97-run knock against South Africa. Glenn Phillips, a powerhouse in the lower order, has the ability to take apart any bowling attack in the final overs. His match-winning century against Pakistan in the tournament opener was a prime example of his ability to turn games around.
On the bowling front, Matt Henry has led the attack with precision, taking five wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 5.64. Spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell have provided key breakthroughs, combining for six wickets. William O’Rourke has also contributed, picking up timely dismissals to round out a well-balanced attack.
Key Players: Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan didn’t get off to the best start in this tri-series, falling to New Zealand in their opening match. However, they responded well with a strong performance against South Africa, chasing down a huge total of 355 with one over to spare. That impressive win secured their place in the final. With home conditions on their side, they will look to carry that momentum into the title decider.
Fakhar Zaman has been a key player at the top of the order, amassing 125 runs across two innings with a strike rate of 129. Salman Agha has also played a steady role, adding 174 runs from two innings, including a sublime 134 in the previous match against South Africa. Mohammad Rizwan too was among the runs in the last match, scoring a terrific unbeaten 122 to take his team home. His presence will give the batting order much-needed stability.
The middle order remains an area of strength, with Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah adding an aggressive touch when required.
Pakistan’s bowling attack has been at its best in the tournament but there are a few bright spots. Shaheen Afridi has taken 5 wickets in two games while keeping his economy at 7.70. Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah have been decent in patches and are reliable options. Haris Rauf might replace Mohammad Hasnain in the final to bolster the bowling unit.
Key Players: Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain/ Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Weather Conditions
The National Stadium in Karachi presents a balanced pitch with a slight inclination towards pace bowlers. The surface offers initial movement for seamers, especially in the first hour. As the game progresses, spinners will find increasing assistance with some turn and bounce. Batsmen can expect a fair batting track with good bounce, but they’ll need to apply themselves carefully. The pitch generally supports a competitive and exciting cricket match.
The weather in Karachi will be very warm but clear.
NZ vs PAK Pitch Report
The average score batting first at the National Stadium in Karachi is 244. The highest total posted here is India’s 374-4 versus Hong Kong in the 2008 Asia Cup. We reckon a score of around 280-300 will be challenging in the final.
Toss: To Bat
Since this is the final, both teams are likely to prefer to bat first as that’s the safer bet in such a high-pressure game on a good wicket.
Winning Prediction- We are backing New Zealand as the winners of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series final.
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