Pakistan is determined to build on their winning momentum as they head into the fourth T20I against New Zealand with the series still undecided. After a dominant win in the third match, Pakistan has renewed confidence in their high-risk, aggressive approach. Hasan Nawaz’s spectacular 105 off 45 balls showcased their intent, while bowlers managed to restrict New Zealand to 204 despite a batter-friendly pitch.
Pakistan’s Strategy and Recent Turnaround
After struggling in the first two matches, Pakistan found their rhythm in the third game. Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, and Salman Agha displayed fearless batting, ensuring their team stayed in the chase. Nawaz’s explosive century set new records, proving that no target was too big on a flat Auckland pitch.
Pakistan’s bowlers also made an impact. Despite conceding runs in the middle overs, the pace attack, led by Haris Rauf, delivered in crucial moments. Rauf’s 3 for 29 on a high-scoring surface helped keep New Zealand in check. With two matches left, Pakistan aims to continue this aggressive approach and clinch the series.
New Zealand Look to Regain Control
New Zealand had been the stronger side in the first two matches but failed to close out the series in the third. Mark Chapman’s 94 off 44 balls kept them competitive, but their bowling attack struggled to contain Pakistan’s aggressive batters.
Playing with a second-string squad, New Zealand still boasts enough firepower to turn things around. They will miss Matt Henry, who remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury. However, Zakary Foulkes and Will O’Rourke are available and could step in for Kyle Jamieson, who has left the squad.
Players to Watch: Haris Rauf and Mark Chapman
Haris Rauf made an immediate impact upon returning to Pakistan’s XI. His ability to mix pace with variation proved effective in limiting runs. He had a standout performance in the third T20I, finishing with the best economy rate in the match. Pakistan will rely on him to provide breakthroughs in crucial moments.
Mark Chapman, despite inconsistent performances, showcased his talent in the third T20I. His aggressive approach against Pakistan’s frontline bowlers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, made him a key player for New Zealand. With 32 more runs, he could become New Zealand’s leading run-scorer against Pakistan in T20Is.
Read:Â Babar Azam, Naseem Shah Struggle in National T20 Cup Comeback
Likely Playing XIs
New Zealand (probable):
-
Tim Seifert, 2. Finn Allen, 3. Mark Chapman, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Jimmy Neesham, 6. Mitch Hay (wk), 7. Michael Bracewell (capt), 8. Ish Sodhi, 9. Zakary Foulkes/Will O’Rourke, 10. Jacob Duffy, 11. Ben Sears
Pakistan (probable):
-
Mohammad Haris (wk), 2. Hasan Nawaz, 3. Salman Ali Agha (capt), 4. Irfan Khan, 5. Shadab Khan, 6. Abdul Samad, 7. Khushdil Shah, 8. Abbas Afridi, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Abrar Ahmed, 11. Haris Rauf
Conditions and Venue
The match will be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, where the average first-innings score since 2020 is 176. Four of the last five completed matches at this venue have been won by the team batting first. Though some cloud cover is expected, rain is unlikely to interrupt the game.
Key Stats to Know
-
Since 2020, New Zealand and Pakistan have faced each other 26 times in T20Is, the highest number for either team against any opponent.
-
Pakistan has struggled in T20Is since 2024, with only four wins in 13 matches against New Zealand.
-
Ish Sodhi has 27 wickets against Pakistan, the most by any New Zealand bowler in T20Is.
-
Mark Chapman needs 32 runs to surpass Kane Williamson (667 runs) as New Zealand’s top T20I run-scorer against Pakistan.
What’s at Stake?
With two games left, Pakistan has a chance to turn the series in their favor, while New Zealand looks to bounce back and secure the series. Both teams have committed to an aggressive batting approach, setting the stage for another thrilling contest.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
