New Zealand are into the FINALs of the PAK-NZ-SA Triangular Series 2025
NEW ZEALAND are into the FINALs: The New Zealand Cricket team are in a winning momentum as they have not only secured two consecutive wins in the tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa but have secured a spot in the final of the series.
It seems that New Zealand have understood the Gaddafi Stadium's pitches by roots. This is very good news for the Kiwis but would be threatening for all the other seven teams in the Champions Trophy. The batters are in form, the bowlers are tasting good wickets and the players are proactive on the field.
Let's take a look at the summary of the two matches against Pakistan and South Africa in the triangular series:
Match 1: New Zealand vs Pakistan
New Zealand kicked off their tri-series campaign with a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan. Batting first, the Kiwis put up a formidable 330/6 in 50 overs, thanks to a well-paced start by Kane Williamson (58) and Daryl Mitchell (62). However, it was Glenn Phillips who truly stole the limelight, launching a breathtaking counterattack in the death overs.
His explosive 104 off 60 balls completely shifted the momentum, as New Zealand plundered 84 runs in the final five overs. Pakistan’s bowling attack suffered a major setback when Haris Rauf was ruled out of the death overs due to a side strain, allowing the visitors to capitalize.
Chasing 331, Pakistan lost Babar Azam early, but Fakhar Zaman played a counterattacking knock, scoring a fluent 74 off 65 balls. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse, with Ghulam struggling for rhythm and wickets tumbling at crucial moments. Agha Salman (42) and Tahir (37) put up some resistance, stitching together a 50-run stand, but the pressure of an ever-rising required run rate proved too much.
New Zealand’s spin duo of Mitchell Santner (3/38) and Michael Bracewell (2/41) turned the game in their favor, while Matt Henry wrapped up the innings with a 3-wicket haul. Pakistan was bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs, handing New Zealand a convincing win.
Scorecard:
- New Zealand: 330/6 (50 overs)
- Pakistan: 252 all out (47.5 overs)
- New Zealand won by 78 runs
Match 2: New Zealand vs South Africa
New Zealand continued their dominant run with a 6-wicket win over South Africa in Lahore. The Proteas, batting first, posted a strong 304/6 in 50 overs, courtesy of a stunning knock from Matthew Breetzke. Despite losing captain Temba Bavuma early, Breetzke and Jason Smith built a steady partnership before the latter was run out following a sharp throw from Mitchell Santner.
Breetzke then combined with Wiaan Mulder for a crucial 131-run stand, with Breetzke smashing 150 off 128 balls. Mulder provided solid support with a well-compiled 58, helping South Africa finish with a competitive total, thanks to 108 runs in the final 10 overs.
In response, New Zealand made the chase look comfortable despite taking 48.4 overs to reach the target. Openers Will Young and Devon Conway provided a steady start before Ethan Bosch dismissed Young. However, Kane Williamson took charge, scoring an authoritative 112 off 80 balls at a strike rate of nearly 140, keeping the required run rate in check.
Conway was equally impressive but missed out on a century, falling for 97. South Africa had a brief moment of hope when Senuran Muthusamy struck twice in an over, but Glenn Phillips (32*) and Williamson ensured there were no further hiccups. New Zealand reached 308/4, sealing a well-controlled chase and securing a direct spot in the final.
Scorecard:
- South Africa: 304/6 (50 overs)
- New Zealand: 308/4 (48.4 overs)
- New Zealand won by 6 wickets
Second Finalist– Pakistan or South Africa?
Pakistan and South Africa are set to play the third match of the triangular series and this will be the knockout game for the two teams. The winning team will head to the final against New Zealand. South Africa are looking more of a complete team at the moment against Pakistan. The batting order is on fire and the bowlers were decent in the match against New Zealand. Pakistan's batting and bowling, both are struggling and they are struggling real bad.
Pakistan and South Africa are set to play the game at the National Stadium, Karachi on February 12.