In a highly anticipated tri-series final in Karachi, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, just days before their Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand at the same venue.
Faheem Ashraf Returns for Pakistan
The hosts made a key change by bringing in seam-bowling allrounder Faheem Ashraf for fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain. This match marks Ashraf’s first international appearance since the Perth Test in December 2023. His white-ball performance in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has been impressive, where he bagged 20 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12, along with some handy contributions with the bat.
New Zealand’s Changes and Injury Woes
New Zealand, on the other hand, made two significant changes. Jacob Duffy and allrounder Nathan Smith replaced the injured Ben Sears and Matt Henry. Sears’ injury has also ruled him out of the upcoming Champions Trophy, with Duffy stepping in as his replacement for the tournament. Henry, meanwhile, was rested as a precaution due to a minor knee issue.
IPL’s Hundred Links Will Not Impact Pakistan Players’ Participation
Pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson has resumed bowling after sustaining a hamstring injury during the ILT20 in the UAE but remains unavailable for the final. Head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about Ferguson’s recovery, stating that he was “tracking well.”
Additionally, New Zealand will miss the services of Rachin Ravindra, who suffered a forehead injury in the tri-series opener. Although Ravindra’s headaches have subsided, Stead emphasized that they do not intend to rush him back into action.
Squads
Pakistan XI: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Santner (capt), Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke
