Cricket Match Prediction | New Zealand vs Pakistan | 4th T20I | March 23 – Can PAK level the scoreboard against NZ?

NZ vs PAK Match Analysis

New Zealand and Pakistan will play each other in the 4th T20I of the 5-match T20I series, which will be played on March 23, 2025, at 12:15 AM BST at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. 

New Zealand had taken a commanding 2-0 lead, leading many pundits and cricket followers to write off the series. However, Pakistan’s dominant nine-wicket victory in Auckland on Friday, with 24 balls to spare, has reignited the five-match contest! 

A sensational batting performance drove Pakistan’s victory on Friday after conceding over 200 runs in the field. However, they will need to improve their bowling in this match, as relying on another dominant display against New Zealand’s bowlers may not be feasible. NZ will now welcome PAK to Mount Maunganui, where they have a second chance to secure the series.

NZ vs PAK Team Preview & Squads

New Zealand 

New Zealand left the field after the first innings in Auckland confident that the series was all but secured, having posted 204. However, Hasan Nawaz’s brilliance gave them a harsh reality check, so we can expect a determined Black Caps side eager to seal the series this time.

Mark Chapman starred with a blistering 94 off 44 balls on Friday, while Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, and Michael Bracewell also impressed with aggressive batting. Although Finn Allen fell for a three-ball duck, he remains a dangerous player capable of scoring a rapid century in this contest.

Jacob Duffy was the only New Zealand bowler to claim a wicket in the third T20I, meaning the team management must devise a new strategy to counter Hasan Nawaz. A well-rounded performance from the squad should be enough to wrap up the series.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Finn Allen, Mitchell Hay, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Zakary Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi

Pakistan

Pakistan entered the series with many pundits believing their success would depend on the experience of their senior batters or the impact of their pace duo, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.

However, it was 22-year-old right-hander Hasan Nawaz—who had recorded ducks in the first two matches—who rose to the occasion, smashing an unbeaten 105 to claim the Player of the Match award and secure victory for the Men in Green.

With confidence running high ahead of this clash, Pakistan will need another well-rounded team effort to level the series on Sunday. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who shared five wickets between them on Friday, will once again be crucial with the ball.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan

Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan, Agha Salman, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Ali, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Omair Yousuf. 

New Zealand vs Pakistan outfield report 

Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Both teams will aim to chase in this match on Sunday in Mount Maunganui, given how Pakistan was able to chase down a mark of 200+ on Friday. On Sunday, Mount Maunganui is expected to see a few sunny periods punctuated by other sunny weather. From beginning to end, the temperature will be in the mid-twenties and the humidity will be about 50%.

In the past, the Bay Oval has played host to many thrilling Twenty20 International matches, and the pitch usually provides a good batting surface.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 matches, NZ won 3 and PAK won 2. 

New Zealand vs Pakistan Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that New Zealand has a 70% chance of winning. 

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.