ISLAMABAD: Pakistan to face New Zealand in 5th and final T20I at Wellington on Wednesday, with the series already decided at 3-1 in favour of the hosts.
With both teams looking to the future, this match will serve as a final opportunity for Pakistan to showcase their talent and for New Zealand to solidify their status as a formidable force in international cricket.
Pitch and Weather
Wellington’s weather is shaping up to be an idyllic backdrop for cricket, offering a refreshing coolness and dry conditions as the evening unfolds. In a thrilling recent T20I at this venue, spectators witnessed an electrifying showdown where New Zealand set a formidable target of 215, only for Australia to snatch victory with a nail-biting finish on the last ball.
New Zealand has opted to rest several key players, while others are unavailable due to their commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This strategic decision is a testament to the team’s depth, allowing them to field a competitive side despite the absentees. Conversely, Pakistan has made a series of changes in hopes of rejuvenating their squad and breaking free from their recent struggles.
Despite the lack of significance this particular match holds, New Zealand has generally maintained control throughout the series. Their early strikes and effective fielding have stifled Pakistan’s scoring opportunities, particularly during the powerplay overs.
Pakistan’s only glimmer of hope came during a remarkable chase in Auckland, where they showcased their potential. However, overall, they have struggled to find consistency, particularly in their bowling, which has often been costly during critical moments.
Regardless of the outcome, the game promises to be an intriguing spectacle, albeit one set against the backdrop of a series that many will remember more for its context than its content.
New Zealand have named the same squad for the fifth T20I, and with the fourth producing a near-perfect performance, an unchanged eleven would be unsurprising.
Stats and trivia
Jimmy Neesham requires another 45 runs to reach 1,000 in T20I cricket
New Zealand and Pakistan have more prolific wickettakers in T20I cricket than any other side. Each have three with more than 100 T20I scalps, something no other side can manage. All three of Pakistan’s – Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi are in Pakistan’s current squad
Pakistan have an abysmal recent record in T20I cricket since the start of 2024. Excluding games against Ireland, USA, Canada and Zimbabwe, they have won four of 22 T20Is in this period
New Zealand Squad: 1) Tim Seifert, 2) Finn Allen, 3) Mark Chapman, 4) Daryl Mitchell, 5) Jimmy Neesham, 6) Mitch Hay (wk), 7) Michael Bracewell (capt), 8) Zakary Foulkes, 9) Ish Sodhi, 10) Jacob Duffy, 11) Will O’Rourke.
Pakistan Squad: 1) Mohammad Haris (wk), 2) Hassan Nawaz, 3) Salman Ali Agha (capt), 4) Irfan Khan/Usman Khan, 5) Shadab Khan, 6) Khushdil Shah, 7) Abdul Samad, 8) Shaheen Afridi/Mohammad Ali, 9) Haris Rauf, 10) Abbas Afridi, 11) Abrar Ahmed.
