The Tri-Series Final and the Road to the Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan Cricket Team vs New Zealand Cricket: The Tri-Series Final and the Road to the Champions Trophy 2025

The Tri-Series Final between the Pakistan Cricket Team and New Zealand Cricket was a microcosm of Pakistan's current cricketing dilemma—patchy, promising at times, but ultimately falling short when it mattered the most. As the final whistle blew and New Zealand Cricket wrapped up a comfortable five-wicket win, it was clear: Pakistan had been given a sobering reminder that even individual brilliance often requires a well-oiled team performance to convert into victory.

As we move towards the Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistani Cricket Team, led by Muhammad Rizwan, must now absorb the lessons of this defeat and chart a strategy that will not just keep them competitive, but position them as real contenders for cricket’s premier trophy.

Pakistan’s Wobbly Batting Line-Up: A Familiar Story

It was a match that started with optimism. Muhammad Rizwan, winning the toss and electing to bat first in Karachi, seemed to make the right call. But what followed was a scene all too familiar for Pakistan fans: a batting collapse. Early wickets fell—Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, the dependable pillars, couldn’t provide the solid start Pakistan so desperately needed.

Babar Azam, in particular, looked in sublime touch at the outset, driving the ball crisply and running hard between the wickets. But cricket, as it often does, defied logic. A seemingly innocuous ball from Nathan Smith, a return catch, and just like that, Babar Azam was dismissed. The joint-fastest to 6000 ODI runs, now walking back at 12 off 16 balls. A game-changing moment, if there ever was one, and Pakistan were 48 for 3.

Once again, the middle order—usually so solid—crumbled under pressure. But in the midst of this disarray, Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha produced a much-needed counterattack. Their partnership, full of composed strokes and unflustered temperament, provided the only semblance of stability in Pakistan’s innings. Together, they put on 50 runs in 75 balls. Yet, just as they seemed to be setting up Pakistan for a late surge, Rizwan was dismissed, followed shortly by Agha.

The pair had rescued Pakistan before, most notably in the thrilling chase against South Africa, but there was no such fairytale finish this time. Pakistan ended up all out for 242 in 49.3 overs—a modest target that New Zealand would chase with relative ease.

New Zealand Cricket: Calm, Collected, and Clinical

It was a chase that never truly seemed in doubt. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway were the anchors, calmly ticking the scoreboard along after the early breakthrough. There was an inevitability about their progress—both batters showed a level of composure that Pakistan’s batting lacked. The pair added 71 runs before Salman Ali Agha dismissed Williamson for 34, providing a brief glimmer of hope for Pakistan. However, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, fresh from their earlier match-winning performances, carried New Zealand home with little fuss.

The real standout, however, was New Zealand's bowling. While Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah tried to trouble the Kiwis with their pace and bounce, New Zealand’s bowlers—led by Will O'Rourke, who finished with 4/43—kept the pressure on Pakistan’s batsmen throughout. Mitchell Santner, too, was a constant threat, finishing with 2/20 in his 10 overs. His control in the middle overs was a critical factor in stifling Pakistan's progress.

New Zealand’s all-around performance in the final reinforced the fact that they are a complete team, with contributions coming from all facets of the game. It wasn’t just one or two individuals; it was a collective display. And that, as the Pakistan Cricket Team learned the hard way, is often the difference between winning and losing.

The Public Reaction: A Nation’s Heartbreak

In Pakistan, the public response was one of disappointment, but not of surprise. This is, after all, a team that has often thrived on moments of individual brilliance, only to fall short due to a lack of consistency. Muhammad Rizwan, ever the battler, was once again praised for his leadership and performance. His determination to fight through the tough times—just like his gritty 122 against South Africa—was appreciated. But the reality is that his heroics were not enough to paper over the cracks in Pakistan's batting lineup.

There was, however, a sense of optimism in the air. The Pakistan Cricket Team has the talent, no doubt. The question is whether they can piece it all together when it matters most. In the streets of Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, fans know this team can do it—they just need to take that extra step.

What Lies Ahead: Muhammad Rizwan’s Strategy for the Champions Trophy 2025

As we look ahead to the Champions Trophy 2025, a few key areas stand out where Muhammad Rizwan and his team must make improvements if they are to challenge the likes of New Zealand Cricket, England, and Australia.

Building Partnerships, Not Just Innings

This was perhaps the most glaring issue in the final—Pakistan failed to build partnerships at crucial stages of their innings. Rizwan’s leadership needs to focus on forging solid relationships between his top order and middle order. Players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Salman Ali Agha must work together to form strong partnerships, setting the platform for the late surge from Faheem Ashraf, Tayyab Ali, and others.

Playing with More Aggression

One thing that sets apart top teams like New Zealand Cricket from Pakistan is the freedom with which they play. Rizwan, as captain, should encourage his players to express themselves, especially in the middle overs. With the depth in Pakistan’s batting, it’s time to turn the gears up and play with more intent. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, in particular, can provide valuable contributions with the bat at the tail end, should Pakistan need to accelerate.

Sharpening the Bowling Attack

While Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were impressive in patches during the Tri-Series, Pakistan’s bowlers need to be more consistent. With the likes of Abrar Ahmed waiting in the wings, Rizwan has the opportunity to field a potent, well-balanced attack that can exploit any weaknesses in the opposition.

Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making

Muhammad Rizwan is still finding his footing as captain. He’s shown he can lead from the front with the bat, but his decision-making on the field needs to evolve. More proactive captaincy—whether it’s bowling changes, field placements, or DRS calls—could be the difference between winning and losing in close matches. The final against New Zealand Cricket was a reminder that small moments matter.

Final Thoughts: Can Pakistan Bounce Back?

As Pakistan Cricket Team packs up their bags and heads home from the Tri-Series, there’s a quiet, focused optimism about what’s to come. Sure, the loss stings, and certain tactical flaws must be addressed. But this is a team that, when it clicks, can match any side in world cricket. Muhammad Rizwan, a captain known for his resolve, will undoubtedly be eager to implement lessons learned and push his players to perform at their best in the Champions Trophy 2025. The question is whether the team can avoid the pitfall of inconsistency, the Achilles' heel that has dogged Pakistan cricket for years.

Pakistan has the talent, the passion, and the ability to go all the way in the Champions Trophy 2025. Now, it's about delivering when it matters most. With Rizwan at the helm, don’t be surprised if Pakistan rises to the occasion and pulls off the unthinkable.