PAK vs NZ Match Preview
The stunning 42-ball inning by Mark Chapman was instrumental in setting up a New Zealand win in the third game of the ongoing series against Pakistan. The cricketing events between Pakistan and New Zealand are always competitive, and it doesn't matter who is playing. After providing a lackluster performance in the second T20I, Mark Chapman galvanized the New Zealand inning to a win in the third T20I. The series now stands level at one win each. Chapman remained unbeaten at 87, and the Kiwis made light work of the 178-run target put up by Pakistan.
New Zealand's innings started off brightly, with their big-hitting top-order batters Tim Seifert and Tim Robinson providing early fireworks. But both of them lost their wickets in seven balls. Naseem Shah and Abbas Afridi picked up their wickets. At that point, the inexperienced Kiwi middle order was in danger of falling apart. Pakistan has an impressive range of bowling alternatives at its disposal. So, the New Zealand chase was in danger of falling off, but Mark Chapman had other ideas.
Mark Chapman was provided a reprieve when Naseem dropped a simple opportunity off a miscued sweep. This proved to be costly for the Pakistan bowlers. Chapman got the team through to a win and was responsible for decimating the top Pakistan bowlers. First, Shaheen Shah Afridi was hit for two fours and a six in the fifteenth over, bringing the asking rate down below nine. The Pakistan batting charge appeared slightly bewildering as it was cautious on a batting-friendly track.
Although SaimAyub started the batting effort with a trademark flair, the New Zealand bowlers kept on finding tight overs with Ish Sodhi, Will O'Rourke, and Ish Sodhi in particular. They bowled tight overs to bring down the scoring rate all the time. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were tied down after the fall of Ayub's wicket. Just 36 runs came off six overs between overs six and eleven. This restricted the momentum built by the Pakistani openers. Rizwan had to leave the field due to a hamstring injury, and Azam lost his wicket a bit later.
Weather Report
You can expect clear skies for most of this game in Lahore. The temperatures will be close to 35 degrees. However, there might be some rain interruption at some point, possibly bringing the D/L method into the picture. We are hoping for an entire game of cricket, though.
Pitch Report
The track at the venue will be flat, which will help the bowlers a little. However, the spinners might be able to get some help from the wicket as the game goes on. One thing is certain: the fast bowlers, once again, will have their work cut out.
Notable stats
Mohammad Rizwan has an excellent average in recent games.
Mohammad Rizwan has scored runs with an average of 62.75 in his last eight games.
Both teams have an even record in the last five games between the two teams.
The head-to-head between these two teams for their last five games is tied 2-2.
Team News
There do not seem to be any injury updates for Mohammad Rizwan. We assume he will be available for the 4th game of the series. There are no other injury worries from either team.
PAK vs NZ Probable 11
PAK Playing 11
- Babar Azam (C)
- Saim Ayub
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wk)
- Usman Khan
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Irfan Khan
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Amir
- Abrar Ahmed
NZ Playing 11
- Tim Seifert (Wk)
- Tim Robinson
- Josh Clarkson
- Michael Bracewell (C)
- James Neesham
- Mark Chapman
- Dean Foxcroft
- Ish Sodhi
- Ben Sears
- Ben Lister
- Jacob Duffy
Dream11 Prediction
Although New Zealand recorded a relatively comfortable win in their last game, the Pakistan team can expect to stage a comeback in this game. They have a powerful unit, and they are playing at home. You can bet that Pakistan will win this encounter and lead the series.
Top Picks
Babar Azam: The Pakistan skipper is a remarkably consistent batter in all formats. You can bet on him to do well here.
Mark Chapman: Chapman was in fantastic form in the last game and has a strike rate of 144.66 in his last ten games.
Abbas Afridi: Abbas Afridi is bowling with a strike rate 10.28 in his last four games.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: This Afridi has had a relatively quiet series. You can bet on him to come good any time.
PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: T Seifert
Batters: M Rizwan, B Azam (C), M Chapman, S Ayub
All-rounders: J Neesham, M Bracewell, S Khan (VC)
Bowlers: I Sodhi, S Afridi, N Shah
