Pakistan’s post-World Cup reset hasn’t quite gone as planned thus far. They were defeated 3-0 in the Test series in Australia under Shan Masood. Two games remaining in the T20I series in New Zealand. They have also been beaten under Shaheen Afridi. They have now lost six straight games away from home. Which is by no means ideal.
When it comes to major overhauls, however, patience is the key. With the World Cup in a few months, Pakistan would want to maintain the adjustments they have made and give players more chances. They would frantically try to get one victory in the near future to stop the bleeding and terminate this futile streak.
To halt the run flow, the bowling assault will undoubtedly be the main focus. In two games, they have given up more than 200 runs, and in the other, nearly 200. It’s not ideal for an attack that claims the likes of Haris Rauf and Shaheen. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan, who showed potential in the first game. Haven’t been able to deliver in the batting area. After dropping down to No. 3, Babar Azam has scored three straight fifties. But the visitors still need runs from players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Azam Khan.
New Zealanders will be quite happy that they didn’t really notice Kane Williamson’s absence. Devon Conway hasn’t looked at his most smooth yet, and Adam Milne has been pricey in the two games that he has played thus far. To keep their fast bowlers fresh. They may keep rotating them like they have been doing thus far.
When: January 19, 2024 at 7:10 PM local time, 11:40 AM IST
Where: Christchurch’s Hagley Oval
What to expect: The most recent Twenty20 International at this location occurred between these two sides. The fact that Pakistan prevailed in the match despite par scores in the 160s should comfort them. Although there is no forecast for rain. Cloud cover is expected on the day of the match.
New Zealand
It wouldn’t surprise anyone if New Zealand decided to give Tim Southee a break, considering how they have switched up their speed attack. Finn Allen has the option to bring in Will Young if he needs more time to recover from that brilliant hundred.
Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (C), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson are the probable starting lineup.
Pakistan
Pakistan may like to continue with the same lineup for this dead rubber as they previously made numerous changes to their starting eleven for the third game.
The probable eleven are: Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar Azam, and Muhammad Rizwan.