- Joined
- Aug 12, 2023
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Since 2022, Pakistan hasn't won a single T20I series, facing defeats against Australia, England, and even Afghanistan (albeit with a second-string side). They settled for a drawn series against New Zealand at home in their last T20I outing, which was in 2023. Much has changed for Pakistan since then, including a new captain and vice-captain. However, their performances in the T20I format haven't yet reached their full potential, and Pakistan now stands on the brink of another series defeat, trailing New Zealand 2-0 after consecutive losses.
Despite showcasing some firepower with the bat, they have struggled to sustain their batting momentum, resulting in two unsuccessful chases after the hosts posted substantial totals on both occasions. Babar Azam has been consistent with successive half-centuries, and Fakhar Zaman, batting at No.4, delivered a quick 25-ball 50 in the last match. That said, Pakistan could benefit from their bowlers displaying better discipline.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has been making positive strides in the series, with their batting firing on all cylinders and their bowlers consistently delivering, backed by substantial runs. Finn Allen and Daryl Mitchell, in particular, have been dominant with the bat, while Tim Southee and Adam Milne have taken four-wicket hauls, contributing to New Zealand's clinical performances in the two matches. They aim to continue in the same vein and exploit Pakistan's weaknesses to secure the series.
When: January 17, 5:00 AM PST
Where: University Oval, Dunedin
Team News:
New Zealand: Originally intended to rest for the third T20I, Kane Williamson had to abandon those plans due to a right hamstring injury, forcing him to retire hurt midway through the second T20I. As a result, he has been ruled out for the rest of the series. Will Young will continue to be part of the squad, and Tim Seifert is expected to step in for Williamson, also taking on the wicketkeeping duties. Mitchell Santner, who previously captained the T20I side in the series against Bangladesh, is poised to assume leadership responsibilities once again.
Pakistan: Aamer Jamal has proven to be costly in his recent two performances, prompting Pakistan to consider giving him a break, especially since the 27-year-old also participated in the Australia Tests prior to this. Mohammad Nawaz emerges as a viable option, given the effectiveness of spinners in Dunedin.
Squads:
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan, Abbas Afridi, Haseebullah Khan
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson(c), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert(w), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Adam Milne,Ben Sears
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