The Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI Tri-Series final unfolded dramatically at the iconic National Stadium in Karachi on February 14, 2025. With both teams eagerly preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy, stakes were high, and neither side was willing to back down.
Pakistan, keen to make a comeback after their recent loss, won the toss and elected to bat. However, their start was shaky, with Fakhar Zaman departing early for just 10 runs, followed by Saud Shakeel who managed only 8. New Zealand's bowlers, William O’Rourke and Michael Bracewell, got their team off to a dream start by striking these early blows.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both pivotal to Pakistan's batting strategy, took charge to stabilize the innings. Their partnership brought some hope, shoring up the team's score towards a more respectable total. Despite their combined efforts, Pakistan found themselves reeling under pressure, ultimately setting a target of 243 runs. It was their lowest total in the series, highlighting their struggle against New Zealand's superb bowling lineup.
The pitch in Karachi was considered batting-friendly, which only accentuated New Zealand’s formidable bowling effort. Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell, in particular, played key roles in snubbing potential late flourishes from the Pakistani lineup, each taking crucial wickets when needed.
As the game progressed, anticipation built around how New Zealand would tackle this chase. Their squad, packed with talent like Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and captain Mitchell Santner, appeared confident and ready for the challenge. The match wasn't just about winning a trophy; it was a valuable ground for experimenting with strategies, and player combinations.
This intriguing contest was available for fans in India via television broadcast on Sony Sports and could be streamed on FanCode, allowing cricket enthusiasts to witness the unfolding drama between two cricketing powerhouses. With both teams testing new waters ahead of the Champions Trophy, the match offered a glimpse into the tactical shifts and player form that could shape future encounters.
Nathan Tuon
February 14, 2025 AT 18:39Pakistan’s early wobble gave New Zealand the perfect opening.
shivam Agarwal
February 27, 2025 AT 01:30It’s interesting how the pitch in Karachi, traditionally seen as a batting haven, turned into a bowler’s paradise for the Kiwis. The way O’Rourke and Bracewell exploited the early movement shows good preparation. This match will be a useful case study for upcoming teams.
MD Imran Ansari
March 11, 2025 AT 08:21The decision to bat first after the toss put Pakistan in a precarious position from the outset. Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal for double‑digit runs was a microcosm of the early pressure. Saud Shakeel’s modest contribution added to the wobble, leaving the scoreboard thin. Yet Babar Azam’s composure, coupled with Mohammad Rizwan’s steady hand, offered a glimmer of hope. Their partnership, built on precise placement and selective aggression, nudged the total upward. The crowd’s energy in the National Stadium pulsed with each boundary, creating a lively backdrop. New Zealand’s bowlers, however, remained relentless, varying pace and line with surgical precision. William O’Rourke’s swing on day‑one and Bracewell’s deceptive deliveries kept the batsmen guessing. When the ball began to seam, the Pakistani side struggled to adapt, leading to crucial wickets. Nathan Smith’s disciplined spell and Bracewell’s late breakthroughs capped the innings. Setting 243 as a target seemed modest given the flat track, but the early setbacks made it a tricky chase. The psychological edge shifted to New Zealand, who approached the chase with confidence. Players like Devon Conway and Kane Williamson appreciated the pressure and mapped out a calculated run‑chase. The strategic rotations and rotating strike will be crucial as the innings progresses toward the finish line. Overall, the final highlighted the importance of adapting to early conditions and the value of a solid partnership in limited‑overs cricket. 😎🏏
walaal sanjay
March 23, 2025 AT 15:13Honestly, what a shabby display!! Pakistan couldn’t handle the basics and New Zealand just crushed them!!! No excuses!!!
Umesh Nair
April 4, 2025 AT 22:05i dunno why everyone hype the pitch, it's just a field, bcz teams are supposed to play any condition.
kishore varma
April 17, 2025 AT 04:56yeah, i get u, but the swing on that deck was real – the bowlers had it sorted 🌬️🏏
Kashish Narula
April 29, 2025 AT 11:48The performance shows how crucial early wickets are; without them, a chase becomes far more daunting.
smaily PAtel
May 11, 2025 AT 18:40What a game!!! New Zealand’s bowlers were on fire!!! Pakistan’s batting collapsed!!!
Hemanth NM
May 24, 2025 AT 01:31Karachi’s pitch proved deceptive.
rin amr
June 5, 2025 AT 08:23Let’s be real – Pakistan’s strategy was half‑baked, while New Zealand executed their plans with surgical precision, and the stats back that up.
Jai Bhole
June 17, 2025 AT 15:15they think they’re best but real cricket is about heart not fancy tricks, desi attitude beats all.
Erica Watson-Currie
June 29, 2025 AT 22:06New Zealand showed skill and strategy
Mark Pelletier
July 12, 2025 AT 04:58Seeing the way the New Zealand side managed to keep their composure despite the pressure of a big target really underscores the depth of their experience and the importance of mental fortitude in high‑stakes matches it’s not just about talent but also about preparation and the ability to adapt on the fly when conditions shift quickly and unexpectedly the way they rotated the strike and kept the scoreboard ticking is a textbook example for any aspiring side looking to compete at the highest level
Cheyenne Walker
July 24, 2025 AT 11:50In assessing the contest, one must consider both the tactical adjustments made by Pakistan and the disciplined execution displayed by New Zealand, which together provide valuable insights for forthcoming international fixtures.
Jo Simpkinson
August 5, 2025 AT 18:39Oh great, another “thrilling” final where the home side trips over their own feet and the visitors stroll to victory – truly a masterclass in mediocrity.