Pakistan take on New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the five-match series on April 27 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The final match of the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to commence at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, April 27.
Pakistan will look to salvage pride against newly look New Zealand team who will now be soaring high in confidence to win a series 3-1 vs the mighty Pakistan in their own backyard.
PAK vs NZ previous performances
After the first T20I was washed out due to inclement weather with only two deliveries bowled, the second one was won quite convincingly by the hosts by seven wickets. However, the second-string New Zealand side staged a terrific comeback as they came up trumps in the following two T20Is, by seven wickets and four runs, respectively.
The final T20I promises to be a captivating one, with Pakistan aiming to redeem the situation after getting battered 4-1 during their tour to New Zealand earlier in the year, while the Black Caps would be more than keen to script history by defeating Pakistan while having a significantly inexperienced side as compared to that of Pakistan, with a fair amount of first-team regulars invested in the 17th edition of the ongoing IPL.
PAK vs NZ Pitch report
The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known to be batter-friendly, offering good bounce and carry to the stroke-makers. It tends to be true and consistent, allowing batters to play their shots with total freedom once they get settled, owing to the pitches’ true bounce. However, there can be some assistance for the spinners as the match progresses, with the pitch slowing down and offering turn, particularly in the latter stages of 20-over games.
PAK vs NZ – Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 43 |
| Won by Pakistan | 22 |
| Won by New Zealand | 19 |
| No-Result | 2 |
PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Team Previews
Pakistan
The series has been a rollercoaster for Pakistan, with the opening match washed out, a win in the second T20I, but then stumbling in the third and fourth games. In their latest outing, Pakistan’s bowling line-up felt the absence of Shaheen Afridi. Abbas Afridi stepped up, taking three wickets for just 20 runs in his three-over spell. Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, and Iftikhar Ahmed each chipped in with a wicket, but the effort wasn’t enough to stop New Zealand from posting a formidable total of 178/7.
Pakistan’s batting faltered, with openers Babar Azam and Saim Ayub falling short of expectations. Apart from Fakhar Zaman, who struck a valiant 61 off 45 balls, the Pakistani lineup struggled to build momentum, ending their innings at 174/8. With their backs against the wall, Pakistan is eager to turn the tables and draw the series.
New Zealand
On the other hand, Tim Robinson was instrumental for New Zealand scoring a brisk 51 off 36 balls, with Tom Blundell, Dean Foxcroft, and Michael Bracewell also making significant contributions. William O’Rourke shone with the ball, snagging 3/27 in his spell, supported by Ben Sears with two wickets, as they clamped down on Pakistan’s chase. The visitors will aim to secure a win and clinch the series
PAK vs NZ Predicted Playing XIs:
Pakistan:
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Zaman Khan, Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand:
Tom Blundell (wk.), Tim Robinson, Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell (c), Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke
PAK vs NZ – Probable Best Performers
Probable best batter: Mark Chapman
Having shone in the second and third T20Is by top-scoring for the Kiwis, Chapman promises to light up the show in the fifth T20I, and will be itching to end the series on a high as well as the leading run-scorer, having had a disappointing outing in the previous fixture.
Probable best bowler: Mohammad Amir
The left-arm pacer, in his comeback series for Pakistan after more than four years, has shone with the ball, having an economy of just 6.42 in the three matches he’s bowled in. Although he’s managed to take just three wickets, he’d be the bowler to watch out for, and would be ever-so determined to make his opportunity count so as to further bolster his chances to make the cut into the 15-member squad to be sent by the Pakistan Cricket Board on May 1.
PAK vs NZ Match Predictions
Scenario 1
Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl first.
PP score: 50-60
NZ: 190-200
New Zealand win the match.
Scenario 2
New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first.
PP score: 55-65
PAK: 175-185
New Zealand win the match.