PAK vs NZ Match Preview
The 4th T20 international game of the current series between Pakistan and New Zealand had to be called off due to hailstorms. New Zealand was in a good position in this match at 164 runs for the loss of 5 wickets from 18.5 overs. They had worked themselves into this position thanks mainly to the efforts of Mark Chapman who hit 71 unbeaten runs before they received a weather intervention. A hailstorm of all things was responsible for an early end to this crucial game. The New Zealand charge in this game was led by Chapman who scored 71 runs from 42 balls.
This charge from Chapman came after Imad Wasim had picked up 3 early wickets to put the Kiwis on backfoot. This recovery saw the New Zealander put together their best total of the series and with seven balls to go they were all set for a score close to the 185 run mark. Haris Rauf succeeded in deceiving Rachin Ravindra in flight to send him packing in the penultimate over. The weather interruption followed suit immediately after that with a drizzle. This abandonment means the New Zealand side will take the series to the final match with the hope of securing a draw.
After a couple of solid beatings at the hands of Pakistan at the start of the series, we are going to see a decider that will be exciting to watch as there is everything to play for. After winning the toss Pakistan decided to field first in the 4th game on a pitch that appeared to be batting-friendly. This venue has seen several big scores being put on the board during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League. However, the Kiwi side led by Tom Latham found themselves right on the backfoot when Imad Wasim picked up those 3 early victims.
Tom Latham miscued a shot while Daryl Mitchell and Will Young were deceived by the flight and change of pace. Imad Wasim was bowled straight out and his 4 overs cost just 19 runs to put Pakistan firmly on the top. But this scenario changes later when Chad Bowes was at the crease and started building a platform with Mark Chapman. The momentum was shifting back to New Zealand as Shadab Khan received punishment in his 3rd over. It was Shaheen Afridi who was able to break the partnership finally. But Chapman had started changing gears by then and took New Zealand to a good score.
Weather Report
Unlike during the 4th T20 international played at the same venue, there are not many chances of getting rain interruptions during this game. There will not be any dark clouds hanging over the stadium threatening disruption to the game. There will be some light breeze running across the ground the whole day. The temperatures during the match will be in the region of 26 degrees.
Pitch Report
The track for this crucial game between New Zealand and Pakistan will offer a steady bounce to the fast bowlers throughout the match. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, there might be some help to the quick bowlers early on in the first innings.
Notable stats
Mark Chapman has had a great batting average in recent games for New Zealand.
Mark Chapman has scored 249 runs for New Zealand in his last 10 appearances for the side with an average of 41.50.
Adam Milne has a terrific strike rate for New Zealand in his last 6 games.
From his last 6 games for New Zealand, Adam Milne has picked up 11 wickets with a strike rate of 10.90.
Team News
There are several big names missing from the New Zealand team for the series. That apart there do not appear to be any injury worries for this game from either team.
PAK vs NZ Probable 11
PAK Playing 11
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Faheem Ashraf
- Imad Wasim
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wk)
- Babar Azam (C)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Saim Ayub
- Ihsanullah
- Shaheen Afridi
NZ Playing 11
- Tom Latham (C)
- Cole McConchie
- Mark Chapman
- Matt Henry
- Adam Milne
- Ish Sodhi
- Rachin Ravindra
- Henry Shipley
- Chad Bowes
- Will Young
- Daryl Mitchell
Dream11 Prediction
This finale of the series will likely be a tight match. Both teams have something to lose and will go at each other hard to ensure a good result for the series. We reckon Pakistan will have an edge due to 2 reasons. They are playing at home and so are more conversant with the conditions. The second reason is that they have fielded their best side in the series and so it is a strong outfit with several in-form players in it. We will bet with Pakistan to win this game and take the series.
Top Picks
Babar Azam: Babar Azam was in prime form in the second match of the series when he smashed a hundred to take Pakistan to a win. He has scored 221 runs in his last 7 matches with an average of 44.20 and a strike rate of 127.01.
Mark Chapman: Mark Chapman has scored 249 runs from his last 10 games for New Zealand with an average of 41.50 and a striker ate of 138.33.
Haris Rauf: Haris Rauf has been the best bowler of the series and has collected 14 wickets from 7 games with a strike rate of 11.71.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Shaheen Shah Afridi is a strike bowler for Pakistan and he has picked up 11 wickets in his last 7 matches for his team with a strike rate of 13.18.
PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: M Rizwan (VC), T Latham
Batters: B Azam (C), M Chapman, D Mitchell, C Bowes
All-rounders: I Wasim, S Khan
Bowlers: M Henry, S Afridi, H Rauf
