PAK vs NZ: Pakistan hopes to defeat a confident NZ in series decider

• Pakistan takes on New Zealand in the third and final one-day international (ODI) of the three-match series.
• The series is tied at 1-1.
• Pakistan has never lost an ODI series against the Kiwis at home, except for a one-off in 1976.

Pakistan will try to preserve their excellent home record against New Zealand in the third and final one-day international (ODI) of the three-match series today at the National Stadium (Friday).

The series is tied at 1-1. Except for a one-off ODI series in 1976–77, Pakistan has never lost an ODI series against the Kiwis at home.

If the Green Shirts defeat New Zealand in the last ODI today, they will have won their fourth successive series.

Last year, Pakistan defeated Australia 2-1 and the West Indies 3-0 at home before defeating the Netherlands 3-0.

New Zealand levelled the series by defeating Pakistan by 79 runs on Wednesday. Devon Conway (101) and skipper Kane Williamson (85) put on a 181-run second-wicket stand to help the visitors reach 261.

The New Zealand squad, on the other hand, collapsed in the middle overs, losing their final eight wickets for 65 runs. Mohammad Nawaz bowled brilliantly for 4-38 to halt New Zealand’s march towards a massive target.

Pakistan, on the other hand, never seemed in command from the outset and fell far short of the mark. Skipper Babar Azam (79) and Mohammad Rizwan (28) combined for 55 for the third wicket, but after them, Pakistan’s grip slipped due to the increasing asking run rate on a track that aided spinners, especially under floodlights.

The toss may also play a role today, as bowlers have gained significant bounce and turn under floodlights on both occasions. Dew appeared in the first game but not the second.

After the second ODI, Kiwi all-rounder Mitchell Santner stated that they were unsure about the surface’s behaviour in the third ODI.

He said, “it was nice to win this game but we know that there would be another wicket, which could be similar, could be different and we are not sure. Pakistan is a quality side and it’s nice to go into the last game, a decider.”

Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has claimed that they would try to “win the series.” On Thursday, both teams chose to relax.

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