Cricket Prediction | Pakistan vs New Zealand | 5th T20I | April 27, 2024 – Will the host Pakistan be able to defeat the visiting New Zealand and return to parity in the series?

PAK vs NZ Match Analysis

The fifth and final T20I series encounter between host Pakistan and New Zealand takes place in Lahore on Saturday, and Pakistan will be keen to tie the series.

The national team has lost to New Zealand twice in a row. In this season finale, Captain Babar Azam will be hopeful that the team will grow from its mistakes and deliver a masterful performance.

However, in the last two Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan, Michael Bracewell’s inexperienced New Zealand stunned a lot of people with their outstanding performances. On Saturday, the visitors will be looking to continue winning and seal the T20I series.

PAK vs NZ Team Preview & Squads

Pakistan

Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan might all be back for the series decider, meaning the home team could make four changes. For this intense match, Iftikhar Ahmed, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, and Imad Wasim will be on the sidelines.

The team’s batting lineup, which includes all-arounder Shadab Khan, wicketkeeper Usman Khan, Captain Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub, will be responsible for most of the scoring.

With the help of four fours and three sixes, Fakhar Zaman, who was Pakistan’s star batsman in the previous game, ended the innings with a top score of 61 runs off 45 balls. In addition to Fakhar, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, and Imad Wasim scored 20, runs, 22 not out, and 23, respectively.

The team will be counting on bowlers like Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed to make significant breakthroughs in the bowling department.

Abbas Afridi was Pakistan’s best bowler in the previous game, taking 3 for 20 in three overs. Mohammad Amir and Zaman Khan each claimed one wicket in addition to Afridi.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan Squads

Babar Azam (c), Usman Khan (wk), Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand

The majority of the runs will be made by the team in the batting department by players like James Neesham, Dean Foxcroft, rookie opener Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.

Tim Robinson, who opened for New Zealand in the previous game, was a terrific player who helped his side conclude the innings with a top score of 51 runs off 36 balls, including two sixes and four boundaries. Tom Blundell, the wicketkeeper, provided excellent support for him by hitting five boundaries en route to scoring 28 runs off just 15 balls.

With three sixes to his name, Dean Foxcroft struck three sixes en route to a fluid 34 runs off of 26 balls. To help New Zealand record a competitive 179 runs in their stipulated 20 overs, Captain Michael Bracewell blasted 27 runs off 20 balls.

The team will be counting on bowlers William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, Michael Bracewell, and Ish Sodhi to make crucial breakthroughs.

William O’Rourke, a pacer, was the most impressive bowler for New Zealand in the previous game, taking three wickets for 27 in his four overs. Ben Sears, in addition to O’Rourke, bowled well and concluded with figures of 2 for 27 in his allotted overs.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand Squads

Michael Bracewell (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, and William ORourke.

PAK vs NZ outfield report

Gaddafi Stadium Lahore

Both teams will be eager to win the toss, choose to bat first and score more than 175 runs. The team that batted first won the previous game in Lahore. On Saturday, there is a 50% chance of clouds and approximately 56% humidity in the weather prediction for the match. There will be some help for the quick bowlers and a respectable batting wicket in Lahore.

PAK vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

Pakistan has won two of the last five meetings between these two teams, while New Zealand has also won two, and one has abandoned.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Prediction

Winning the toss

• Pakistan

Player of the Match

• Pakistan – Babar Azam

Most runs

• Pakistan – Babar Azam
• New Zealand – Mark Chapman

Most wickets

• Pakistan – Shaheen Afridi
• New Zealand – Ish Sodhi

Most sixes

• Pakistan – Babar Azam
• New Zealand – Mark Chapman

Team Scores Batting First

• Pakistan – 180+
• New Zealand – 170+

According to cricket analysts, Pakistan has a 64.7% chance to win.

Want to stay ahead in the world of cricket? Explore our comprehensive Match Predictions, insightful analysis, and the latest updates on all your favorite fixtures and more at JeetBuzzNews. Don’t miss out and dive into the action now!