Sat Feb 08 11:29:52 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Wins Toss, Elects to Bat First Against Pakistan in Tri-Series Opener
**Lahore, Pakistan** – New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first against Pakistan in the opening match of a tri-series ODI tournament at the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match marks the beginning of both teams’ preparations for next month’s Champions Trophy, with the two sides also facing off in the tournament’s opening game in Karachi.
Captain Mitchell Santner’s decision to bat first comes despite a relatively weak spin bowling attack for both teams. Pakistan will rely on Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed, while New Zealand’s spin options are limited to Santner and Rachin Ravindra. Much attention will be on the performance of Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who is unusually batting at the top of the order.
New Zealand’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets. Tom Latham was dismissed without scoring, and Kane Williamson, who scored a well-fought 58, was also removed by Shaheen Afridi. However, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips stabilized the innings with a crucial partnership, counter-attacking the Pakistani bowlers to propel the Kiwi run rate above 4 runs an over.
The match is being broadcast on the Sony Sports network and live-streamed on FanCode. The exciting clash is expected to provide valuable insight into both teams’ strengths and weaknesses ahead of the Champions Trophy.
First Piper 