Cricket Match Prediction | New Zealand vs Pakistan | 5th T20I | March 26 – Let’s see who will win the last straw as NZ got it.

NZ vs PAK Match Analysis

New Zealand and Pakistan will play each other in the 5th match of the 5-match T20I series, which will be played on March 26, 2025, at 12:15 AM BST at Sky Stadium, Wellington. 

New Zealand capitalized on the seam and swing conditions at Mount Maunganui, combining a strong batting performance with disciplined bowling to comprehensively outplay Pakistan and secure an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match T20I series.

It was unimaginable that Pakistan, after scoring over 200 runs in the third game, would be dismissed for just 105. They have to get back their pace if they want to win the last match.

NZ vs PAK Team Preview & Squads

New Zealand

New Zealand showed no signs of missing their core players, seamlessly delivering strong performances. Tim Seifert will open the innings alongside Finn Allen. Seifert, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, has amassed 152 runs at an impressive strike rate of 185, making him a key batter to watch. Meanwhile, Allen smashed a rapid 20-ball half-century in the last match and boasts a striking rate of 208. Mark Chapman is set to bat at number three, the second-highest run-scorer with 119 runs at a strike rate of 180.

In the middle order of NZ, Daryl Mitchell will be joined by James Neesham and Mitchell Hay. The Kiwi middle-order has had limited opportunities as the top-order has largely secured victories. Mitchell has scored 60 runs at a strike rate of 125 in four matches, while Neesham has struggled with the bat but contributed with three wickets in three games. If the top-order falters, the middle-order will face the challenge of countering Pakistan’s strong bowling attack.

Jacob Duffy will spearhead the bowling attack alongside Ish Sodhi, Zakary Foulkes, and Kyle Jamieson. Duffy is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps at an average of 8, making him a crucial bowler to watch. Sodhi has claimed five wickets at an average of 17, while Foulkes and Jamieson have collectively taken seven wickets.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

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

Pakistan

For Pakistan, Mohammad Haris will open the innings with Hasan Nawaz. Haris has accumulated 52 runs in three matches, while Hasan Nawaz delivered a stunning 105-run knock in the third game but has managed just one run in his other three outings. Salman Agha, the team’s top scorer with 116 runs in four matches, will take the number three spot.

In the middle order, Shadab Khan will be accompanied by Khushdil Shah and Abdul Samad. Shadab has struggled with both bat and ball, scoring only 30 runs and claiming a single wicket in four games. Khushdil has faced similar challenges, contributing 40 runs and taking one wicket. However, Samad played a vital 44-run innings in the previous match.

Haris Rauf will lead the bowling attack alongside Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed. Rauf has been Pakistan’s most effective bowler, picking up eight wickets at an average of under 10, making him a key player to watch. Abrar has taken five wickets, including two in the last match. Meanwhile, Afridi has managed only two wickets in four games, which remains a significant concern for the team. PAK will be hoping for a strong comeback from him in the upcoming fixture.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan

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

New Zealand vs Pakistan outfield report 

Sky Stadium, Wellington

In the 22 games that have been played here, teams chasing the goal have won 12 of them. Bowling should begin with the team that wins the toss. On match day, Wellington’s weather is predicted to be overcast with temperatures between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. The highest score in the first innings is 219, while the average is 153.

NZ vs PAK 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 69% 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.