PAK vs NZ: Pakistan’s third must-win game against New Zealand is scheduled for Friday at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland.
After two dominant displays, New Zealand are on the edge of securing the five-match T20I series, while Pakistan are desperately fighting to keep their hopes alive. Pakistan faces a do-or-die situation in the third match, as another loss would eliminate their chances of winning the T20I series.
In the first match of the series, New Zealand handed Pakistan a crushing nine-wicket defeat, while in the rain-interrupted second T20I, the Kiwis claimed victory by five wickets.
Pakistan began the series with high expectations, but their campaign has been hindered by inconsistency and difficulty infinding the right team balance. The absence of key openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub due to injuries, along with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan not being part of the T20I squad, has further compounded their challenges.
Although Captain Salman Agha has been a rare bright spot, with occasional support from Shadab Khan and Khushdil Shah, the rest of the inexperienced batting lineup has struggled, frequently crumbling under pressure.
Pakistan’s woes extend beyond their batting struggles, as their once-formidable bowling attack has lost its sharpness. Shaheen Shah Afridi, previously their most dangerous weapon, has not been at his best, while the rest of the bowling unit has failed to trouble the Black Caps. Haris Rauf showed glimpses of form in the second match, but if Pakistan wants to keep their series hopes alive, the entire bowling attack must deliver a strong performance in the upcoming game.
Also Read: PAK Vs NZ: New Zealand Wins Again, Extends Series Lead
Meanwhile, under Michael Bracewell’s leadership, New Zealand has been relentless. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen have delivered explosive starts, laying a solid foundation for the middle order to build on. Despite the absence of key players like Matt Henry, Kane Williamson, and Mitchell Santner, they have demonstrated remarkable squad depth, making them a formidable side to defeat.
New Zealand’s bowlers have been equally ruthless, with Jacob Duffy leading the pace attack brilliantly and Ish Sodhi troubling batters with his effective leg spin. Additionally, every other bowler has played their role impressively, contributing to New Zealand’s strong performances.
PAK vs NZ: SQUADS
Pakistan
Salman Ali Agha (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Abdul Samad, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, and Haris Rauf.
New Zealand
Michael Bracewell (C), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Mark Chapman, Zakary Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.