Written by: Archana Luthria • 04.04.2025
The agony for Pakistan is about to end as they play their last match of this tour. With just one victory in 7 matches across two formats, the once powerhouse of world cricket has a lot to ponder over. The team has ensured successive failures over the last few months and will make one final push to redeem themselves.
On the other hand, the Black Caps seem to have recovered well from the disappointing loss in the Champions Trophy Finals to stamp their authority at home. This will be their final match of the summer season and will be hoping to sign off on a high.
New Zealand | Vs | Pakistan |
10 | Matches Played | 10 |
80% | Win | 40% |
289 | Average Score | 270 |
362 | Highest Score | 355 |
205 | Lowest Score | 208 |
Teams | Matches Won |
New Zealand | 7 |
Pakistan | 3 |
Mark Chapman, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Michael Bracewell (C), Mitchell Hay(WK), Muhammad Abbas, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke
Abdullah Shafique, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Waseem Jr, Naseem Shah, Akif Javed, Sufiyan Muqeem
Also Check: NZ vs PAK Match Prediction
Mark Chapman missed the previous match but is expected to be available for this one. From the Pakistan camp, Usman Khan is nursing a muscle tear, and updates regarding his availability are awaited. Haris Rauf retired hurt after suffering a concussion and his availability is also doubtful.
The pitch at Bay Oval is good to bat on. The flat and firm surface offers excellent pace and bounce allowing the batsmen to play their shots. There is some rain forecast on the day before the match and that could bring in some moisture, and the quicker bowlers can expect movement off the seam with the new ball. Nevertheless, scoring 300 runs isn’t out of the question at this venue.
On matchday, the sky is likely to be cloudy but rain is not expected.
Mitchell Hay played well in the last match. Given Mohammad Rizwan’s poor form, Hay could be a better choice here.
Mark Chapman is likely to be fit for this game and is our first choice. The other batsmen include Daryl Mitchell and Nathan Kelly. Babar Azam, though not in good form, is a quality batsman who is worth including.
The all-rounders have had an underwhelming series. Nevertheless, Muhammad Abbas, Agha Salman, and Michael Bracewell can impact the game with the bat as well as the ball.
The seamers have enjoyed plenty of success in the two games. Ben Sears picked up a fifer in the last match, while Jacob Duffy has settled into a good rhythm. With Haris Rauf not 100% fit, Naseem Shah could be a worthy replacement.
We are going with Mitchell Hay to lead our team. He batted well in the previous match and can play the big shots with ease. He is also sharp behind the stumps and can earn valuable points.
Jacob Duffy has picked up at least two wickets in both games and has been quite economical as well. As the pitch is expected to help the seamers, Duffy can make an impact with the new ball.
With Pakistan struggling on this tour, we have included plenty of New Zealanders in our team as they have largely dominated the proceedings. The batsmen are likely to enjoy plenty of success and we can expect another high-scoring game.
The spinners have struggled throughout this series and we therefore recommend picking up seamers instead.
Muhammad Abbas (499) points at an average of 99 points per game
Daryl Mitchell (223), Muhammad Abbas (206), Babar Azam (195)
Jacob Duffy (10), Mohammad Wasim Jr (10), Sufiyan Muqeem (8)
Mitchell Hay (7), Mark Chapman (6), Daryl Mitchell (4)
Mitchell Hay (123.75), Mark Chapman (118.91), Agha Salman (106.34)
William O’Rourke (3.16), Sufiyan Muqeem (3.30), Akif Javed (5.15)
Archana Luthria is a cricket strategist who deeply understands the game's intricacies. A former player herself, Archana brings a player's perspective to her analysis. She's worked with various cricket teams and academies, honing her skills in game planning and execution.
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