After a 5-wicket defeat in the second T20I, Pakistan finds itself trailing 2-0 in the five-match series against New Zealand. The previous match, held at the University Oval, saw Pakistan posting 135 runs in a rain-shortened 15-over game. New Zealand successfully chased the target in 13.1 overs, with their openers setting a solid foundation. Tim Sherfield was named as the man of the match for fiery 45 runs off 22 deliveries. Let’s see if the green team is able to bounce back and get hands on their first win of the series.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can tune in to watch Pak vs NZ live on Ten Sports and A Sports in Pakistan, and on the Sky Sports Network in New Zealand. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:15 AM PST, 6:45 AM IST, and 1:15 AM GMT.
Team Analysis
Pakistan’s batting lineup has been underwhelming throughout the series. Repeated collapses have hindered their ability to set or chase competitive totals, reflecting a lack of consistency and application among the batsmen. The absence of key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has further exacerbated these issues. Moreover, the skipper Salman Ali Agha is the only one in form and over-dependency of the entire batting lineup on him is the main reason why the green squad have repeatedly failed to post a competitive target on the scoreboard.
Moreover, Pakistan’s senior bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, have struggled with economy and penetration. Their inability to contain runs and take timely wickets has allowed New Zealand’s batsmen to dominate, putting additional pressure on Pakistan’s batting unit. Shaheen and Shadab averaged at 10 per over economy in the last match but the disappointing 17.00 runs per over economy of Muhammad Ali proved to be immensely expensive for the whole team and is one of the major deficiencies in the Pakistani squad.
In comparison, New Zealand has showcased a well-rounded performance. Their bowlers have effectively exploited Pakistan’s batting vulnerabilities, while their batsmen have consistently built partnerships and chased targets with composure. The opening duo of Fin Allen and Tim Sherfield is exceptional and they both put quick runs on the scoreboard by optimizing the usage of powerplay. The team’s balance and execution have been pivotal in securing their series lead. This is especially admirable when we account for the fact that senior players like Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra are absent due to ongoing Indian Premier League 2025.
Conclusion
Pakistan faces a must-win situation to keep the series alive. Addressing batting inconsistencies and improving bowling discipline are crucial for a comeback. Key impact players for this match include Shadab Khan and Mohammad Haris for Pakistan, and Mark Chapman and Kyle Jamieson for New Zealand. Fans can watch tthePak Vs NZ live on the platforms mentioned above.
