New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the NZ vs PAK 3rd T20I at the University Oval in Dunedin on Wednesday, January 17. The Black Caps lead the 5-match series 2-0 and will look to wrap up the series with two matches to spare.
New Zealand have been on the top of their game in the ongoing T20I series, winning their opening T20I in Auckland by 46 runs. They then got the better of Pakistan in the 2nd T20I at Seddon Park, emerging victorious by 21 runs.
NZ vs PAK 3rd T20I Preview
The Black Caps will be without their skipper Kane Williamson after he injured his hamstring in the previous game in Hamilton. Williamson was retired hurt during New Zealand’s innings and did not come out to field. were batting and did not return to the field. Josh Clarkson is out with a shoulder injury and has been replaced by Will Young.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back to stay in contention in the series. Pakistan’s new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has had a torrid start to his leadership tenure, suffering back-to-back defeats. However, Babar Azam’s return to form will certainly encourage Pakistan. The former Pakistan captain has scored consecutive half-centuries in the series. Shaheen will be hoping Babar keeps up his form as Pakistan fight hard to stay in the series.
NZ vs PAK Match Details
Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 3rd Test, Pakistan tour of New Zealand
Date: January 17, 2024
Time: 05:30 am IST
Venue: University Oval, Dunedin
NZ vs PAK Pitch Report
The Dunedin cricket stadium, like most New Zealand grounds, has small boundaries and a flat pitch that gives an edge to batters. The quick outfield also helps the batters to play shots with more confidence and less risk. The average score in T20Is in Dunedin is 195, suggesting the possibility of a high-scoring game. The pitch could encourage the captain who wins the toss to choose to chase, taking advantage of the batting conditions.
NZ vs PAK Weather Report
According to Accuweather, there is a 0% chance of rain on Wednesday in Dunedin. The spectators can expect a clear sky which will aide a full 40-over game. The temperature will likely be around the 16-degree Celsius mark and the humidity in the high 60s.
NZ vs PAK Probable XI
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee (C), Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi (c), Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf