New Zealand National Cricket Team will look to wrap up the five-match T20I series as they face Pakistan National Cricket Team in the third T20I on Friday, March 21 at Eden Park, Auckland. The match is set to begin at 11:45 AM IST. After winning the first two games comfortably, the hosts are in prime position to secure the series, while Pakistan face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive.
New Zealand’s Dominance in the Series
New Zealand have been in impressive form, with their openers setting the tone for their victories. In the second T20I, which was reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain, Pakistan managed to post 135 for 9 after a shaky batting display. Skipper Agha Salman led from the front with a fighting 46, while Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi provided some late resistance. However, Pakistan’s inconsistent top order has been a concern.
In response, New Zealand’s openers came out aggressively. Tim Seifert scored a quick 45, while Finn Allen smashed 38 runs, including three consecutive sixes off Mohammad Ali. Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, New Zealand chased down the target comfortably in the 14th over with five wickets to spare.
Pakistan’s Must-Win Scenario
Trailing 0-2 in the series, Pakistan need a strong performance to avoid conceding the series. The top-order batters, including Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz, need to step up, while the bowling unit led by Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan will have to deliver under pressure.
New Zealand vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I: Squads
New Zealand Squad: Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Mitchell Hay
Pakistan Squad: Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan (wk), Abdul Samad, Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan
New Zealand vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I: Live Streaming and Telecast
- When: Friday, March 21 at 11:45 AM IST
- Where: Eden Park, Auckland
- Live Streaming:
- India: SonyLIV (app and website), FanCode
- Pakistan: Ten Sports (telecast), Tapmad (live streaming)
- New Zealand: TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, Sport Nation, The ACC
Key Players to Watch
- Finn Allen – His aggressive starts have been crucial for New Zealand’s dominance.
- Agha Salman – Pakistan’s skipper will need to anchor the innings and provide stability.
- Shadab Khan – His all-round ability could be a game-changer for Pakistan.
As New Zealand look to close out the series, Pakistan will have to bring their A-game to avoid a whitewash. A thrilling contest is on the cards at Eden Park!
