The much-anticipated final of the ODI Tri-Series 2025 is set to take place at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, 14th February at 14:30. With both Pakistan and New Zealand showing impressive performances throughout the series, this final match promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Match Details
- Match: Final
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Date & Time: Friday, 14th February, 14:30
- Series: ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2025
Team Form & Head-to-Head Record
Historically, both teams have been evenly matched, with Pakistan having a slight edge over New Zealand. Out of their total ODI encounters:
- Pakistan: 61 Wins
- New Zealand: 52 Wins
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 3
- Win Percentage: Pakistan (53.51%) vs New Zealand (45.61%)
Key Players to Watch
Top Batters
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): With 916 runs against New Zealand at an average of 48.21, Pakistan’s skipper will be the key to their batting lineup. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him Pakistan’s best bet.
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): Scoring 479 runs against Pakistan at an average of 53.22, Mitchell has been a consistent performer for New Zealand. His adaptability to different conditions will be crucial in the final.
Top Bowlers
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): With 23 wickets against New Zealand at an impressive average of 21.91, Shaheen will be Pakistan’s go-to strike bowler. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver lethal yorkers at the death makes him a dangerous weapon.
- Matt Henry (New Zealand): Leading New Zealand’s bowling attack with 31 wickets against Pakistan at an average of 24.29, Henry will play a pivotal role in restricting Pakistan’s batting order.
Pitch & Weather Report
The National Stadium in Karachi is known for being batting-friendly, but pacers have found some assistance under the lights. Expect a high-scoring contest, with spin playing a role in the middle overs. The weather is expected to be clear, ensuring an uninterrupted final.
Match Prediction
- If Pakistan Bats First: With a strong top order, Pakistan will look to put up a score of around 280-310. Their bowlers, especially Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, will then aim to defend the total by utilizing the swing and reverse swing conditions.
- If New Zealand Bats First: New Zealand will target a score of 260-290, relying on Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra to set a strong foundation. Their pace attack, led by Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, will then aim to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup early.
Final Verdict
Pakistan, playing at home, will have the crowd support and familiarity with the conditions. However, New Zealand has a strong and balanced squad capable of handling pressure situations. Expect a close battle, but Pakistan might have the edge due to their superior bowling attack and home advantage.
Predicted Winner: Pakistan (55% chance) vs New Zealand (45% chance)
Dream11 Fantasy Team Picks
If you’re creating your Dream11 fantasy team for this final, here are some key player recommendations:
Wicketkeepers
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – Reliable batter and captain, capable of scoring big.
- Devon Conway (New Zealand) – Aggressive top-order batter and safe behind the stumps.
Batters
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – A must-pick given his consistency and form.
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) – A solid middle-order batter who can also contribute with the ball.
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – An experienced match-winner in pressure situations.
All-rounders
- Mitchell Santner (New Zealand) – Captain of New Zealand, a great asset with both bat and ball.
- Salman Agha (Pakistan) – Handy with the bat and provides breakthroughs with the ball.
Bowlers
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – Likely to take wickets early with the new ball.
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan) – A fast bowler who excels in death overs.
- Matt Henry (New Zealand) – New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker against Pakistan.
- Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) – A pace spearhead who can rattle batters with his speed.
Captain/Vice-Captain Choices
- Babar Azam – Most consistent batter, ideal for captaincy.
- Shaheen Afridi – A potential match-winner with early wickets.
- Daryl Mitchell – A dependable performer in high-pressure games.
Dream11 Fantasy Tip: Try to balance your team with top-order batters, wicket-taking bowlers, and at least one all-rounder to maximize points.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating final showdown!
