PAK vs NZ, 3rd ODI: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

The Blackcaps have a shot at making history by clinching their first-ever ODI series against the Asian outfit on their home soil.

Published - 13 Jan 2023, 00:20 IST | Updated - 13 Jan 2023, 00:20 IST

3 Min Read

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand has reached its tipping point as the hosts will take on the Kiwis in the third and final match of the series in Karachi with the series on the line. Pakistan drew first blood in the series after dismantling the visitors in the series opener.

However, the Blackcaps hit back with a resounding victory in the second ODI in Karachi to draw level in the series. The Kiwis made a brilliant start in the second match despite losing Finn Allen cheaply. Buoyed by a magnificent stand between skipper Kane Williamson and centurion Devon Conway, the visitors were firmly poised to post a mammoth score on a tricky surface.

But Pakistan, like they often do, found a way back into the match on the back of a sensational spell by mercurial all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. His exploits meant that the Kiwis fell well short of their desired target, handing the initiative to the home side. However, the hosts failed to capitalize on the momentum and fell well short of the target despite skipper Babar Azam's fighting half-century.

While the Men in Green will be hoping to bounce back in the series decider, the Blackcaps have a shot at making history by clinching their first-ever ODI series against the Asian outfit on their home soil.

Pitch and Conditions

The second ODI at this very surface turned out to be a bowler's ally as it had something for the pacers as well as the slower bowlers. The variable bounce, coupled with sharp turn in the latter stages, could well prove to be the decisive factor in the series finale.

Probable Playing XIs for PAK vs NZ 3rd ODI

Pakistan

The biggest issue for the home side has been their inability to handle pressure with the bat. While Babar Azam waged a lone battle in the second ODI, he did not receive much support from the other end. The Pakistani batters will need to up their game in the series decider to thwart the threat of the Kiwis.

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

New Zealand

The Kiwis got out of jail in the second ODI after a horrendous batting collapse restricted them to a modest total. Kane Williamson's ploy to play an extra spinner worked wonders for his side, and it will be interesting to see how the Blackcaps line up in the series finale at the same venue.

Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson