Sun Feb 16 03:12:29 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Stumbles in Tri-Nation Series Final, Cat Chaos Adds to Champions Trophy Jitters
**Karachi, Pakistan:** Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy suffered a setback Friday after losing the tri-nation series final to New Zealand by 5 wickets. The defeat, at the same venue where the Champions Trophy opens on February 19th, casts a shadow over the hosts’ chances.
Adding to the drama, a black cat invaded the pitch during New Zealand’s chase, temporarily halting play. The feline intruder, briefly pursued by a kite, provided a memorable, albeit unusual, moment in the match. Former New Zealand pacer Danny Morrison quipped on commentary, “The Black Caps are joined on the field by the black cat.”
Despite the loss, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Series after scoring 219 runs and taking a wicket. Agha attributed the defeat partly to Pakistan falling 30 runs short of a competitive total, citing the challenging Karachi pitch. Captain Mohammad Rizwan echoed these sentiments, highlighting the team’s shortcomings in fielding and the crucial loss of his and Agha’s wickets. He also noted that the team’s strategy to bat first was aimed at preparing for the Champions Trophy opener. Despite the loss, both players expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn things around for the Champions Trophy.
First Piper 