They advanced to the semifinals of the edition prior to that T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the round of 16. Pakistan’s performance in bilateral T20I series has been lackluster over the past few years. They, along with Sri Lanka, have participated in the joint-fewest number of T20Is (18) among all Test-playing nations, with a single-digit victory percentage in each contest.
Pakistan, who have suffered defeats to Australia, England, and Afghanistan (albeit with a second-string squad) since 2022, have yet to secure a victory in a T20I series. In their most recent T20I engagement, which took place in 2023, they were forced to settle for a draw against New Zealand at home. Since then, Pakistan has undergone numerous changes, including the appointment of a new commander and vice-captain. However, their T20I performances have yet to live up to their potential, and Pakistan are currently in danger of losing another series, trailing New Zealand 2-0 following consecutive losses.
Although they have demonstrated some ferocity with the bat, they have been unable to maintain their batting momentum, which has led to two unsuccessful pursuits on both occasions after the hosts amassed substantial totals. Babar Azam has scored consecutive fiftys, while Fakhar Zaman scored a blitzing fifty off twenty-five balls while batting at number four in the previous match. In conclusion, Pakistan’s bowlers would benefit from a greater display of discipline.
On the contrary, New Zealand have been producing positive signals thus far in the series, as evidenced by their bowlers’ consistent output and batting prowess supported by substantial runs. Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell have been particularly dominant with the bat in the two matches for New Zealand, while Tim Southee and Adam Milne have each taken four wickets to cap off their clinical outings. They will attempt to maintain the trend and capitalize on Pakistan’s weaknesses in order to secure the series.
When:
Wednesday, January 17 at 1:00 PM Local Time
Where:
University Oval, Dunedin
What to expect:
Two T20Is have been conducted at this location, both of which were won by New Zealand. In 2021, Australia came near with a 220-run chase, whereas Sri Lanka’s 141 last year was insufficient to challenge the hosts, who won with 5.2 overs remaining. Anticipated are batting-friendly conditions and temperatures of approximately 17 degrees Celsius.
Team updates:
New Zealand:
Kane Williamson was scheduled to miss the 3rd T20I, but he was declared out for the remainder of the series after suffering a right hamstring injury midway through the 2nd T20I and returning home prematurely. Will Young will remain with the squad, whereas Tim Seifert is expected to assume the duties and supplant Williamson. Mitchell Santner, who captained the T20Is against Bangladesh during the series, is slated to assume the leadership role once more.
Probable XI:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears.
Pakistan:
Aamer Jamal, who has both performed poorly in his last two appearances and has previously appeared in Australia Tests, could be rested upon by Pakistan if they so choose. Jamal, who is 27 years old, has been costly in his previous two appearances. Mohammad Nawaz could be considered, given the success of spinners in Dunedin.
Probable XI:
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamer Jamal/Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf
