Pak vs NZ Match Prediction and Tips
Date: 17th January 2024
Time: 05:30 IST
Venue: University Oval, Dunedin, New Zealand
The exciting clash between New Zealand and Pakistan in the third T20I promises to be a thrilling encounter, with New Zealand aiming for a series triumph. In the previous match, New Zealand secured a convincing 21-run victory over Pakistan, showcasing their dominance in the series. Players like Finn Allen, Adam Milne, Ben Sears, and Ish Sodhi played pivotal roles in the Kiwi victory, while Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman displayed commendable batting performances for Pakistan despite the loss.
Series Overview
As the series progressed, New Zealand found themselves with a comfortable 2-0 lead after consecutive wins in Hamilton. The University Oval in Dunedin sets the stage for the third T20I, where both teams are eager to make an impact.
Team Previews
New Zealand: Aiming for Consistency
For the upcoming match, New Zealand were likely to maintain the winning combination that proved successful in the previous game. However, an injury to kane Williamson means Tim Seifert will replace him. The batting lineup fuelled by the explosive opener Finn Allen, and in-form players like Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway, will be crucial in setting a competitive total. In the last encounter, Finn Allen’s stellar performance, scoring 74 runs off 41 balls, stole the show. The bowling department, led by Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, and Mitchell Santner, will be looking to provide key breakthroughs.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears
Key Players from the Previous Game:
– Batsmen: Finn Allen (74 runs), Kane Williamson (26 runs), Mitchell Santner (25 runs)
– Bowlers: Adam Milne (4 wickets), Ish Sodhi (2 wickets), Tim Southee (2 wickets)
Pakistan: Seeking Redemption
Despite trailing 0-2 in the series, Pakistan enters the third T20I with a glimmer of hope. Expected changes in the playing XI, including the inclusion of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, highlight the team’s determination to turn the tide. The batting lineup, featuring Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, holds the key to Pakistan’s success. In the previous game, Babar Azam’s brilliant 66 off 43 balls and Fakhar Zaman’s quick 50 demonstrated their batting ability. The bowling unit, led by Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, and spinner Usama Mir will aim to stifle the Kiwi batsmen.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Amir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi (c), Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf
Key Players from the Previous Game:
– Batsmen: Babar Azam (66 runs), Fakhar Zaman (50 runs), Shaheen Afridi (22 runs)
– Bowlers: Haris Rauf (3 wickets), Abbas Afridi (2 wickets), Aamer Jamal (1 wicket)
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The University Oval in Dunedin is expected to offer movement to quick bowlers. With a forecast of sunny intervals and light winds, the weather conditions seem favorable for an exciting T20 encounter.
Average first innings score at the venue: 154 runs
As the cricketing action unfolds, anticipation looms over the third and final T20 International (T20I) clash between New Zealand and Pakistan, with the hosts eyeing a series win. The thrilling encounter is set to determine the winner of the T20I series, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike.
New Zealand, having displayed formidable form in the first two T20Is, will be eager to capitalize on their momentum and secure the series victory on home soil. The team’s performance in the previous matches showcased a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic unit.
The batting prowess of New Zealand, led by key players, has been a significant factor in their success. The likes of Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, and Devon Conway have been instrumental in setting challenging targets for Pakistan and navigating the innings effectively. The middle order’s ability to accelerate the scoring rate has added depth to New Zealand’s batting lineup.
The bowling department has also been a standout for the hosts, with bowlers like Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi consistently delivering impactful performances. Their ability to pick crucial wickets and control the flow of runs has created pressure situations for the Pakistani batsmen.
On the other side, Pakistan, determined to bounce back, will be looking to level the series with a victory in the third T20I. The team boasts its own set of skilled players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who have the potential to turn the tide in their favor.
The upcoming match promises to be a captivating battle between bat and ball, with both teams showcasing their strengths and strategies. The series decider is an opportunity for players from both sides to leave a lasting impact and build momentum for future contests.
Winning Prediction: New Zealand to win
As both teams enter the fixture with confidence, New Zealand side appears superior based on current form. New Zealand is predicted to secure another win and clinch the series, maintaining their dominance in the Pakistan tour of New Zealand, 2024. Cricket fans all around the world can anticipate a high-octane clash at the University Oval, Dunedin, as New Zealand and Pakistan lock horns in the third T20I.
