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

Pakistan will take the field with hopes of sealing the series by winning the 3rd ODI.

Published - 02 May 2023, 16:25 IST | Updated - 02 May 2023, 16:25 IST

2 Min Read

Following two consecutive victories against New Zealand in the ongoing five-match ODI series, Pakistan will take on the Kiwis in the decisive third ODI with hopes of sealing the series. The third match of the series will see the action move to the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, May 3.

It was another clinical batting performance by the hosts in the second ODI, thanks to explosive opener Fakhar Zaman's third consecutive ODI century. The 33-year-old batter was at his exuberant best against the Blackcaps in the second ODI, compiling a scintillating innings of 180 runs off just 144 deliveries to seal Pakistan's second-highest chase in the 50-over format.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell ended up on the losing side despite registering a brilliant century for a second game on the trot. Tom Latham also played a brisk knock but will be disappointed with the batting performance in the death overs as they failed to up the ante in the latter stages, much like the series opener.

It is a great opportunity for Babar Azam's side to complete an emphatic series victory in Karachi after the T20I series ended on level terms earlier last month.

Pitch and Conditions

The surface in Karachi has traditionally assisted the slower blowers as the match progresses. The batters will have to adjust their game as run-scoring won't be easy once the ball gets old. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bat first at this venue.

Probable Playing XIs for PAK vs NZ, 3rd ODI

Pakistan

The Pakistani batters are in tremendous form in the ongoing series, and they will look to continue their dominance in the third ODI as well. However, there is some room for improvement for the bowlers, especially in the middle overs.

Pakistan’s predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Ihsanullah

New Zealand

Although the Kiwi batters have given a decent account of themselves in the series so far, they would like to improve their power-hitting abilities at the fag end of the innings. The bowlers also need to come to the party as they have been unable to contain the Pakistani batters in the two matches so far.

New predicted XI: Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry