New Zealand National Cricket Team will take on Pakistan National Cricket Team in the third and final ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. With an unassailable 2-0 lead, the Black Caps are in prime position to complete a series whitewash, while Pakistan will be desperate to salvage some pride by securing a consolation win.
New Zealand’s Dominance So Far
The hosts have been clinical in all departments, securing comfortable victories in the first two matches. In the second ODI at Seddon Park, Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 powered New Zealand to 292/8, while Ben Sears’ fiery five-wicket haul ensured an 84-run win as Pakistan crumbled for 208.
The Kiwi pacers have been relentless, exploiting Pakistan’s batting weaknesses effectively. Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, and Tim Seifert have been consistent with the bat, while Michael Bracewell’s leadership has kept the team well-balanced.
Pakistan’s Struggles and Areas to Improve
Pakistan has failed to gain momentum, with their top order misfiring in both ODIs. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the backbone of their batting lineup, have been unable to make a significant impact.
The bowling attack, led by Mohammad Wasim Jr and Sufiyan Muqeem, has been expensive, struggling to contain New Zealand’s batters. Although Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah showed some resistance in the second match, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Possible Changes for the Final ODI
With the series already sealed, both teams may experiment with their lineups.
- New Zealand might consider resting key bowlers like Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke to give opportunities to other pacers.
- Pakistan could introduce fresh faces in the batting order to address their top-order collapses.
Match Details – NZ vs PAK 3rd ODI
📅 Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
🏟 Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
⏰ Time: 3:30 AM IST (Toss at 3:00 AM IST)
Where to Watch – Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
📺 TV Broadcast (India): Sony Sports Network
📡 Live Streaming: Sony LIV & FanCode apps/websites
Squads for New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd ODI
New Zealand Squad: Will Young, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Muhammad Abbas, Michael Bracewell (c), Mitchell Hay (wk), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Adithya Ashok
Pakistan Squad: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk & c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sufiyan Muqeem
Final ODI: A Dead Rubber or a Battle for Pride?
While the series result is already decided, Pakistan will be eager to avoid a whitewash and end the tour on a high note. Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to continue their dominant run and maintain their winning momentum. With Bay Oval’s batting-friendly conditions, an exciting contest awaits cricket fans.
