Karachi [Pakistan], February 14: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bat first in the final of the ODI tri-nation series against New Zealand in Karachi on Friday. The match serves as a crucial rehearsal for both teams ahead of their upcoming clash in the Champions Trophy tournament opener on Wednesday.
Speaking after winning the toss, Rizwan explained, “We want to bat first. The pitch looks dry, and we are aiming to do our best. I mentioned in the press conference about a cultural problem, but we are working to address it.” Rizwan also confirmed one change to the squad.
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, while acknowledging the conditions, said, “The pitch looks slightly less grassy than the other night, but we expect another high-scoring game. The boys have played here a lot, and we’ve been fortunate to come to Pakistan over the years. Wickets in Pakistan generally play well. We have a job to do with the ball. You always want to win, and Pakistan will be the same.” Santner also made two changes, with Matt Henry and Ben Sears being replaced by Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith.
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke.