Pakistan has not had an easy time against New Zealand in the past ten days, losing three successive matches in crucial games. The Kiwis have been in great shape, dominating Pakistan in every department. Here's a brief rundown of how events went:

Pakistan in the last 10 days against New Zealand:

8th Feb - NZ beat PAK in Tri series.

14th Feb - NZ beat PAK in Tri series Final.

19th Feb - NZ beat PAK in Champions Trophy.

- THE DOMINATION OF NEW ZEALAND..!!!! pic.twitter.com/C7MB5fuI0B

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 19, 2025

ALSO SEE: Pat Cummins Withdraws from MLC 2025 Due to Workload and Injury Concerns

February 8, 2025 – Tri-Series Match
The series opened with New Zealand posting a record 331, aided by a fantastic 106* by Glenn Phillips. Pakistan resisted with Fakhar Zaman's 84 but fell short and were bowled out for 252. Black Caps are off to a good start.
February 14, 2025 – Tri-Series Final
Pakistan got an opportunity to get their revenge in the final but their batting failed once again, scoring just 242 runs. New Zealand chased it easily, with Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell guiding them to a five-wicket win.
February 19, 2025 – Champions Trophy Group Match
The biggest stage, but the same outcome. New Zealand maintained their winning streak against Pakistan, claiming another win and showing their dominance.
The Takeaway
Three losses, three games – it has not been a good period for Pakistan. New Zealand, on the other hand, have demonstrated why they are amongst the most consistent sides in world cricket. Pakistan will have to regroup and return stronger in their upcoming games.

New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears has been excluded from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Jacob Duffy, who is a member of the New Zealand squad for the current tri-series in Pakistan, has been appointed as Sears' cover for the eight-country tournament.

Following a New Zealand Cricket announcement, Sears had suffered left hamstring pain at the first practice session in Karachi. He then had a scan which showed he had a slight tear and required at least two weeks' rehab. In view of this, Sears would only have been ready for New Zealand's last group match against India on March 2, hence the decision to replace him throughout the tournament.

Ben Sears has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy.

- Jacob Duffy has replaced him! pic.twitter.com/y5aemlsRKr

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 14, 2025

New Zealand head coach on a very Disappointment :

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Sears missing out.  “We’re all really feeling for Ben,” said Stead.

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“It’s always tough being ruled out of a major event at such a late stage, and it’s especially tough in Ben’s case, given it would have been his first major ICC event.

“The timeframes for Ben to be fit to play again meant he would likely miss the majority of the group stage, and given the short nature of the tournament, we felt it was appropriate to bring in a player who is fully fit and ready to go.

“Ben is a player with huge potential, and given the short rehabilitation timeframe, we’re sure he’ll be fit and raring to go for the home series against Pakistan back in New Zealand.

Stead added that Duffy is a strong replacement for Sears.

"Jacob showed with his performances in the recent home series against Sri Lanka that he is more than capable at the international level.

 “He’s been part of the squad for the ODI Tri-Series, so he’s fully acclimatised, and he’s got plenty of experience in these conditions and is fit and ready to go.

 “He’s another player who will be experiencing his first senior ICC event, so it will be an exciting few weeks ahead for him.” 

After a wait of 2060 days and 22 ODI innings, Kane Williamson, New Zealand's skipper, has finally achieved three figures in the One Day Internationals again. For a player like him, so composed and consistent, this was a surprise at such a stretch without a three-figure score. Williamson, though, has always been a cricketer of technique and temperament rather than flair.

The century arrived in a quite crucial match and crowed Reactions:

 It marked personal milestones for him, but this also reminded every fan and the critics of class in the format. Despite having injuries and  carrying  the  pressure for leading a national team, there was once more proof of how Williamson is seen as one among the best.

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After 2060 days and 22 ODI innings, Kane Williamson finally brings up his next century in the ODI format! pic.twitter.com/oKZmtQurPk

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 10, 2025

The crowd-and all those sitting at home, too-could feel the sentiment of his moment. This is not just another century on a scoreboard. this is a testimony of resilience and hard work. The calmness in his shoulders, which instilled confidence enough to make him a regular player for New Zealand cricket, adds more to that story.

It is more than a number on the scoreboard. And this century represents much more than a mathematical quotient-it reflects the resilience and hard work, the quiet confidence that has made him a feature of New Zealand cricket.

The crowd and those around the world watching would sense the emotional content behind the achievement.It is Kane Williamson, who has returned to the ODI century club. Waiting is what it must be remembered for now; poise with which he achieved it is unforgettable though.

The Tr iSeries starts on an exciting first ODI when Pakistan and New Zealand play an almost competitive game for the starting stages of their respective tri-series. Both sides strong. There will be a  full-on action by cricket fans everywhere.
Encounter of 1st ODI in Tri-series :
Pakistan went into the game with confidence given their solid performance in ODIs at home, and their batsmen were solid, looking for a big score, while bowlers looking forward to dominating this game. And New Zealand being a tough rival always relied upon a well-balanced team which would give enough trouble to their hosts.
This encounter had moments both thrilling with match-winning hitting display and to saw each team battling so hard for any early dominance. The players must have felt  about the value of this tri-series.

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Live Streaming and Telecast :

In India: The match will be live telecast on Sony Sports Network. Online streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app or website.

In Pakistan: Viewers can watch the live telecast on PTV Sports.

In New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ will broadcast the match live.

In Bangladesh :TV Channel Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports and Online Streaming: Rabbithole app, T Sports app

In the United States: Willow TV will provide live coverage.

Possible Match winner:

New Zealand  has high possibility.

In the second T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand on December 30, 2024, Sri Lanka had a strong chance to level the series and create history. Chasing 187, they were 69 runs away from victory with seven wickets in hand after 14 overs, a scenario that was quite promising. Kusal Perera’s brilliant batting gave Sri Lanka hope as they aimed to pull off a thrilling win, which would have tied the series at 1-1. At that stage, the Sri Lankan team seemed confident of chasing down the target.

It's all on at Bay Oval! How things stand with six overs remaining in the Sri Lanka chase. Follow play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/7h7R8dYvTv 📲 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/GNJmHYttUx

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 30, 2024

Kusal Perera's exceptional knock of 48 from 35 balls gave the team a solid chance to pull off an historic victory.He tackled New Zealand’s bowlers with ease, delivering boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. With him at the crease, Sri Lanka seemed to be building a solid platform to chase down New Zealand's total. His resilience was evident as he played through some challenging moments and looked set to guide his team to victory.

The Turning Point: Perera’s Dismissal

However, things took a sharp turn when Perera was dismissed. His departure marked the start of Sri Lanka’s collapse, and momentum quickly shifted in favor of New Zealand. Jacob Duffy, a standout performer for the BlackCaps, claimed 4/15, continuing his excellent form. Sri Lanka, once in control, lost wickets rapidly, and the chase unraveled. New Zealand’s bowlers seized on Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities, maintaining pressure with every over, ultimately guiding their team to victory as the match slipped away from Sri Lanka.

After Perera’s wicket, the Sri Lankan middle and lower order struggled to build partnerships, and the required run rate started to climb. Despite a valiant effort from other batsmen, the task proved too difficult. New Zealand's bowlers bowled with precision, and the fielding was sharp, making it increasingly hard for Sri Lanka to get back on track. In the end, Sri Lanka’s hopes were dashed, and they lost the match, leaving New Zealand to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Challenge Ahead

This defeat leaves Sri Lanka with a tough task in the final match of the series.they will need to put in a complete performance. While Kusal Perera’s innings was the bright spot for Sri Lanka, the collapse afterward highlights the fragile nature of their batting lineup. The team will need to regroup and find a way to sustain pressure throughout the entire innings in the upcoming match.

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New Zealand’s Upper Hand in the Series

For New Zealand, this victory strengthens their position in the series and gives them the upper hand. Their bowling attack, especially after Perera's dismissal, showed their depth and ability to recover under pressure. The Kiwis will look to maintain their momentum in the final match to secure a clean sweep series win, while Sri Lanka will be hoping to bounce back with a more complete performance.

Kiwi spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been appointed as New Zealand's white-ball captain across ODI and T20I formats. He will take over the reins from Kane Williamson following New Zealand's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup earlier this year. Santner has previously served as an interim captain for the Black Caps captaining them in 24 T20Is and four ODIs.

However, his first assignment as New Zealand's full-time white-ball skipper will commence against Sri Lanka in late December. The upcoming Champions Trophy in February 2025 followed by the 2026 T20 World Cup will be the two major assignments in his captaincy tenure for New Zealand. 

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Santner expresses delight after assuming captaincy

During a close conversation with the all-rounder, Santner revealed that it had always been his dream to play for New Zealand and represent them on the biggest of stages. He further adds that it is a new challenge and looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead of him.

"It's obviously a huge honor and a privilege to be asked. When you're a young kid the dream was always to play for New Zealand but to have the opportunity to officially lead my country in two formats is special. It's a new challenge and I'm excited to get stuck into the important period of white-ball cricket that we have ahead of us."

Gary Stead showers his praise on the all-rounder

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead remains confident of Santner's abilities to deliver the goods. He further revealed that Santner was the first-choice selection across both white-ball formats and speaks highly of his calm and collected personality. 

"Mitch is a fantastic team man and leads by example in all facets of the game. He's an incredibly calm and collected personality and he has a huge amount of respect in the changing room, which will serve him well. He's had plenty of experience leading the T20 side and did a good job when he captained the ODI team last month, so he already has a good understanding of what it means to lead the team. I'm sure Mitch will also bring his own ideas and style of leadership to the role."

Despite his strong credentials in limited-overs format, Santner has been exempted from captaincy in the longest format. In Stead's opinion, Tom Latham has been doing a fine job as a full-time Test captain for New Zealand, and under his leadership, New Zealand went on to do the unthinkable by beating India at home by an unbelievable margin of 3-0. 

South African-born Kiwi batter Devon Conway is all set to be excluded from the third Test between New Zealand and England scheduled to take place in Hamilton on 14 December. The opener will stay in Wellington where his side suffered a brutal 323-run drubbing in the second Test and will remain with his family to see the birth of his newborn child. 

See also: Adelaide Test, Day 3: Australia bounce back in the series with 10-wicket win

Mark Chapman comes in as his replacement

Ahead of the third and final Test, New Zealand have roped in Auckland Aces batter Mark Chapman. The 30-year-old holds a healthy batting average of 46.14 in FC cricket with seven centuries under his belt. Champan is yet to make an appearance for New Zealand in the longest format.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead was in full support of Conway and expects him to make the most of his quality time with his family on this auspicious occasion. Moreover, he also heaped praise on Champan who has been in the midst of a remarkable run in the ongoing Plunket Shield tournament. 

"Family comes first in this environment and we're all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child. Mark was with the Test squad in India recently and returned to the Plunket Shield by scoring an impressive 276 - so it's a good time for him to be joining us."

An opportunity for Will Young to return to the fore

It came as a surprise to many when the New Zealand squad was announced prior to the Test series. The omission of Young who averaged nearly 49 and was adjudged Player of the Series in New Zealand's historic Test series win over India raised quite a few eyebrows.

Unfortunately, he had to make way for Williamson who fully regained his fitness right before the start of the home Test series. He made a resounding impact upon his return becoming the leading run scorer for his side with 195 runs to his name at an average of 48.75. New Zealand have already surrendered to England in this series by a margin of 0-2. The Black Caps will have one last chance to salvage their lost pride in the upcoming Hamilton Test which is expected to commence later this week. 

Sri Lanka secured their fifth bilateral ODI series victory of the year with a thrilling 3-wicket win over New Zealand in the second match of the 3-game series. Opting to bat first, New Zealand faced interruptions from rain, which hampered their momentum. The top order faltered early, with Tim Robinson and Henry Nicholls departing cheaply. Will Young provided brief resistance but was dismissed for 26. Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips steadied the innings briefly with a 39-run partnership before Phillips fell for 15. Chapman found a reliable partner in Mitchell Hay, and their 75-run stand was the highlight of New Zealand's innings. Chapman top-scored with 76 off 81 balls, while Hay contributed a vital 49. However, the lower order collapsed, leaving the visitors with a modest total of 209 runs. Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay were the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.

Chasing 210 under DLS conditions, Sri Lanka faced an early wobble, losing key batters like Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka cheaply. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 74 off 102 balls, showcasing his class and maturity. Despite wickets tumbling around him, Mendis found valuable support from Janith Liyanage (22) and later Maheesh Theekshana (14*), who contributed a crucial 47-run partnership for the eighth wicket to see Sri Lanka home with seven balls to spare. New Zealand's Michael Bracewell put up a spirited fight, bagging 4 wickets for 36 runs—his career-best List A figures—but his efforts couldn’t prevent Sri Lanka from sealing the series in style. The victory, fueled by Mendis’ brilliance, was met with resounding applause from the home crowd, underlining Sri Lanka's dominance in ODI cricket this year.

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Analyzing Kusal Mendis's 74 runs against NZL bowlers

Kusal Mendis' masterful innings of 74* off 102 balls was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's thrilling 3-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second ODI, which also sealed the bilateral series. Facing a challenging chase of 210 runs under DLS conditions, Mendis displayed remarkable composure and skill to anchor the innings. His ability to handle New Zealand's bowling attack with precision ensured Sri Lanka emerged victorious in a closely fought contest. Each bowler tested him differently, but Mendis adapted seamlessly, playing a calculated and match-winning knock.

Against Glenn Phillips, Mendis started cautiously, scoring 17 runs off 22 balls at a strike rate of 77.3. He carefully rotated the strike while punishing the occasional loose delivery. His ability to keep Phillips at bay with a dot-ball percentage of 36.4 ensured that the pressure did not build too much during the crucial middle overs. Ish Sodhi's leg spin posed a significant challenge, but Mendis tackled it skillfully, scoring 24 runs off 23 balls with three boundaries. His strike rate of 104.3 against Sodhi reflected his confidence in taking on the spinners when required.

Jacob Duffy faced the full force of Mendis’ controlled aggression. In just 6 balls, Mendis scored a brisk 10 runs at a strike rate of 166.7, which included a crisp boundary. This attacking approach disrupted Duffy's rhythm and provided momentum to Sri Lanka's chase at a critical juncture. Meanwhile, Mendis showed patience against Michael Bracewell, adding 11 runs off 21 balls. Despite a dot-ball percentage of 47.6, Mendis’ steady approach ensured that Bracewell could not make inroads into Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin presented the toughest challenge for Mendis, as he managed only 8 runs off 25 balls with a staggering dot-ball percentage of 80. However, Mendis weathered the storm and avoided risky shots, keeping Sri Lanka in the hunt. His determination to see off Santner’s spell without losing his wicket was a testament to his maturity and game awareness. Similarly, against Nathan Smith, Mendis remained cautious, scoring 4 runs off 5 balls, ensuring the target stayed within reach without taking unnecessary risks.

The defining moment of the innings came in his partnership with Maheesh Theekshana, who provided valuable support during the tense final phase of the chase. Together, they stitched a crucial 47-run stand that carried Sri Lanka over the line. Mendis’ ability to shift gears when needed and manage the chase under immense pressure exemplified his class and temperament. The victory not only secured the series for Sri Lanka but also highlighted Kusal Mendis' status as one of their most reliable and composed batters in crucial situations.

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In a shocking turn of events, New Zealand pace bowling all-rounder Doug Bracewell confessed to the usage of cocaine and subsequently tested positive for the illicit substance following the conclusion of the NZ Super Smash game between Central Districts and Wellington in January 2024. Playing for Central Districts, Bracewell hogged the limelight with his all-round heroics in that game hammering 30 (11) with the bat and claiming figures of 2-21. 

As a result, the authorities made the decision to impose a three-month ban which was expected to be in effect till April 2024. However, a condition was placed which would truncate his suspension down to one month if he agreed to opt for a rehab program.

How did the higher authorities react to this news? 

As per a statement issued by the Sport Integrity Commission, Bracewell had reportedly consumed the substance whilst he was away from the competition which makes it clear that the Kiwi speedster was not using it as a means to enhance his performance on the field. 

However, Sports Integrity Commission chief executive Rebecca Wells highlighted the grave danger the drug possesses and how it can negatively hinder the performance of athletes across all levels of cricket. 

“It’s not always known what’s in these substances or their strength, which makes them unpredictable and dangerous. Their use is a serious issue at all levels of sport and recreation, and we want to work with both sports organizations and athletes to tackle this problem,"

Moreover, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink also commented that Bracewell had undergone a one-month penalty and is well aware of the consequences of his action. Nevertheless, he remains committed to fully supporting him and driving him on the road to complete recovery. 

“Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgment; the consequences of his behavior, and the penalty imposed. As an organization, we will continue to provide support for Doug – who is fully aware of our expectations moving forward,"

Bracewell’s last appearance for New Zealand

Bracewell last played featured for New Zealand in the ODI format back in 2022 whereas his last test appearance came in a home Test series against Sri Lanka in 2023. Moreover, Bracwell has also been absent from the domestic circuit for a while since the start of the year but after completing a one-month suspension period, Bracwell could soon be cleared to partake in all levels of the game.

See also: Tim Southee all set to retire from Tests after England series

In an unexpected turn of events, India's dominance at home was shattered when New Zealand achieved an extraordinary 3-0 whitewash, marking India's first-ever clean sweep loss in a home Test series. Known for their remarkable resilience on home turf, India struggled collectively, with both the batting and bowling departments failing to deliver against a sharp, determined New Zealand side. Despite being favorites, India faltered, and the series quickly spiraled into a historic victory for New Zealand—their greatest in Asia. This outcome spotlighted vulnerabilities in India’s lineup, with top-order batters repeatedly succumbing to pressure, and the entire squad failing to respond as a cohesive unit to New Zealand’s calculated approach.

As the series progressed, the Indian team seemed to grapple with growing internal and external pressure. After losing the first two Tests, India’s strategy took a controversial turn, altering pitches to be more spin-friendly in hopes of regaining control. However, the plan backfired, as New Zealand’s disciplined approach outclassed India's attempts to manipulate the conditions. Critics pointed to the lack of defensive techniques among India's top order, suggesting that a focus on grinding out long innings could have helped India endure New Zealand's persistent bowling attack. In the end, the series left India reeling and raised critical questions about preparation and adaptability in high-stakes home series.

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More Dependent on Rishabh Pant , Jasiwal , Gill

In India’s recent run of matches, a glaring pattern has emerged: the team’s batting heavily relies on the contributions of a few young stars. Players like Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill have shouldered the majority of the scoring responsibility, with Pant leading the charts with 422 runs across 10 innings, averaging an impressive 46.89 at a strike rate of 86.48. Jaiswal and Gill follow with 379 and 308 runs, respectively, but there’s a steep drop in contributions after them. This over-dependence on the top three has exposed India's middle order, revealing a lack of depth and experience in consistently supporting the team’s innings.

The stark difference between the top three run-scorers and the rest highlights a potential over-reliance on these players, putting immense pressure on them to perform in every game. With senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failing to contribute significantly, the burden has fallen on the relatively younger batters. Rohit’s return of just 133 runs from 10 innings at an average of 13.3, and Virat’s 192 runs at 21.33, raise questions about their form and ability to anchor the innings under pressure. Their struggle to convert starts into impactful scores has placed the team in precarious situations, often leading to collapses when the top three fail to fire.

Additionally, the middle and lower order has offered only sporadic support, with players like Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and KL Rahul failing to provide the consistency needed to stabilize or accelerate the innings. Although Jadeja has managed 199 runs, his average of 24.88 suggests he’s been unable to stay at the crease long enough to make a substantial impact. Ashwin and Rahul, too, have shown glimpses of form but lack the kind of sustained output needed to back up the top order effectively. The absence of dependable innings from the middle order has only magnified the failures of senior players and placed undue strain on Pant, Jaiswal, and Gill.

The pressure on the top three has been particularly evident in recent matches where challenging bowling attacks have quickly dismantled India’s lineup once they broke through the initial partnership. This imbalance has made the team vulnerable, especially in Test matches where patience and adaptability are key. While the younger players have shown resilience and flair, India’s over-dependence on them could lead to burnout, and without the support of experienced players

like Kohli and Sharma, the team’s prospects remain uncertain. If these senior players can’t bounce back, it could impact the team’s morale and performance in crucial upcoming series.

In light of these struggles, it’s crucial for India to reassess their batting strategies. The team needs to develop a plan that enables seniors like Rohit and Virat to regain their form while allowing the middle order to step up when needed. Without a cohesive batting unit, India’s success will remain fragile, overly reliant on the top three, and at risk of collapse in high-stakes matches. Strengthening the collective resilience of the lineup could be India’s best chance at bouncing back, preventing further historic losses, and re-establishing their dominance at home.

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