NZ v Pak 3rd ODI Preview: Pakistan hope for brighter weather and better result

New Zealand takes on Pakistan in the 3rd ODI at Auckland tomorrow. This tour ending where it began may lead to good vibes taking hold in the Pakistan camp. They have been outclassed so far, but their solitary win of the trip came at Eden Park. New Zealand handed out a 70-run thrashing to the visitors in the first ODI and the home side will look to continue its domination in the series decider. Auckland has had excellent weather for most of the week, but the forecast has worsened significantly, just as cricket arrives in the city. The met service suggests the morning will be dry, but that showers could begin in the early afternoon. There can be movement in the air at Eden Park, but the drop-in pitch is generally good for batting.

New Zealand:

The home side is searching for a final incentive before the most anticipated tour of their home summer. Members of Australia’s ODI team have already arrived in the country, and the attention of the fans and media is beginning to turn in that direction. Another victory at Eden Park will mean New Zealand have won every home series they have played since October 2014, in all formats, further enhancing the aura that has developed around the team.

The Kiwis, however, have to contend with the absence of Martin Guptill for this match. Guptill rolled his ankle during training on the eve of the game and is said to be a 50-50 chance to play. Brendon McCullum should be back at the helm, and the top of the order, after recovering from the back injury. He will be aiming to give New Zealand fans a few more entertaining innings before retirement. If Guptill is unfit, Tom Latham will have the chance to open the batting. Four seamers are competing for three spots, and Doug Bracewell seems likeliest to miss out.

Pakistan:

Inconsistency has been a major worry for the visitors in limited overs cricket. Pakistan got off to a decent start in the first ODI but barring the 81-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez for the third wicket there weren’t many highlights for Pakistan with the bat. New Zealand kept getting wickets at regular intervals and despite a few batsmen getting starts, they could not go on to make a big score, which eventually cost Pakistan.

Pakistan did have a few positives to take from the game. Mohammad Aamer was the pick of their bowlers, finishing with 3 for 28 in 8.1 overs. Anwar Ali and Mohammad Irfan too were among the wicket-takers for the visitors. The bowlers will have to be at their best once again to contain a strong batting lineup of the hosts. They should know how to bundle the tail out cheaply, else the extra runs could cost them eventually like it did in the first ODI.

Form guide: (last five completed matches, most recent first)

New Zealand: WWLWW

Pakistan: LLLLW

Playing XI (Probable)

New Zealand: 1 Martin Guptill/Tom Latham, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt.), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Henry Nicholls, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Corey Anderson, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Adam Milne, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Trent Boult

Pakistan: 1 Azhar Ali (capt.), 2 Ahmed Shehzad, 3 Mohammad Hafeez, 4 Babar Azam, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Anwar Ali, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Mohammad Amir, 11 Mohammad Irfan

Stats

1. At home, New Zealand has won 26 matches and lost only four, across formats, since November 2014

2. The first ODI was the first time in seven matches that Wahab Riaz bowled in a New Zealand ODI and failed to claim a wicket.