New Zealand and Pakistan will face each other in the last T20 of the series on 26th March at Wellington Regional Stadium.
Match Preview:
It takes time to build things and if Pakistan wants to build a T20 side before the Asia Cup and World Cup, they need to be patient and okay with the bilateral results. Pakistan were bundled out for just 105 runs in the fourth T20 and the series was done and dusted. Nevertheless, the team can still use this dead rubber to try new players like Sufyan Muqeem and give Omair Bin Yousaf a chance as well.
However, Pakistan should not be panicked and take these defaults on heart as it takes time to develop a team and to nurture a talent. However, the likes of Mohammad Haris and Shadab Khan should look to make an impact as it is their comeback series.
Pakistan would look to end the series on a winning note to get the maximum boost they can right before the ODI leg of the series.
Talking about New Zealand, it feels like their almost second string is functioning as well. Jacob Duffy was on song in the last T20 as well. Zakary Foulkes also made an impact and the opening combination of NEw Zealand fired yet again.
So, for New Zealand the upcoming game won’t be of much importance as they have sealed the victory already. But they would look to win it as well giving the stand-in skipper Michael Bracewell a series to remember.
Pitch and weather report:
Wellington is expected to offer ideal cricketing conditions, with a dry and mildly cool evening forecast. The venue’s most recent T20I saw a thrilling contest, as New Zealand’s 215 was chased down by Australia off the final ball, showcasing the ground’s propensity for high-scoring excitement. So, a run-fest is expected in the upcoming encounter? Maybe?
Probable Playing XI:
New Zealand (probable): 1 Tim Seifert, 2 Finn Allen, 3 Mark Chapman, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Jimmy Neesham, 6 Mitch Hay (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell (capt), 8 Zakary Foulkes, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Jacob Duffy, 11 Will O’Rourke
Pakistan (possible): 1 Mohammad Haris (wk), 2 Hassan Nawaz, 3 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 4 Irfan Khan/Usman Khan, 5 Shadab Khan, 6 Khushdil Shah, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shaheen Afridi/Mohammad Ali, 9 Haris Rauf, 10 Abbas Afridi, 11 Abrar Ahmed
Head-to-head record:
New Zealand and Pakistan have faced off in 48 T20Is, with Pakistan holding the upper hand, winning 24 matches. New Zealand has secured victory in 22 encounters, while two games ended with no result.
Prediction:
It’s highly unlikely Pakistan can win the last T20 of the series but you never know? like which Pakistan turns out today? However, New Zealand are favourites to win the upcoming encounter of the series.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, Tamasha, Ten Sports,
New Zealand: TVNZ+
India: SonyLiv app and website
Others: CricHD
