TOP STORIES

NZ vs PAK 5th T20I: Pakistan seek redemption against boisterous New Zealand

Tuesday, 25-Mar-2025
News

As the series between New Zealand and Pakistan heads into the fifth and final T20I match on Wednesday in Wellington, the stakes are considerably low with New Zealand leading the five-match series 3-1. With the series already decided, this match remains a dead rubber, but that doesn't mean it will lack action or intensity. For Pakistan, the final encounter presents an opportunity for redemption and reflection as they continue to stick to fresh faces.

New Zealand have been in control throughout the series, with a commanding 3-1 lead that has secured them the series win. Their balanced and consistent performance has outshone Pakistan. Their batters and bowlers have made heavy contributions in each match, keeping Pakistan in check. 

For Pakistan, however, this series has been a tale of inconsistency and underachievement. After a promising comeback in the third T20I, Pakistan once again fell short in the fourth match, failing to level the series. With a new-look squad, Pakistan have struggled to find their rhythm and impose dominance over New Zealand. The inconsistencies in the batting order, combined with the team’s inability to execute their plans under pressure, have raised doubts about their performance.

However, this fifth T20I offers a chance for redemption. For Pakistan players, it’s an opportunity to show their mettle and finish the series on a high note. Captain Salman Agha will be looking for strong individual performances and improved team cohesion. Players like, Haris Rauf, Hassan Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi and Khushdil Shah will once again need to come good if Pakistan are to end the series on a positive note.

Head to head 

Matches - 46

NZ Won - 22

PAK Won - 24

New Zealand Probable XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke

Pakistan Probable XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hassan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Shaheen Afridi/Mohammad Ali, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed

 

Tags

More News

News

Glenn McGrath Weighs In on Bumrah’s workload management suggests a long-off season

3 hrs ago

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah remained a central figure of discussion during the Test series England and India, as his workload management continued to draw attention. In a pre-series decision made by the Indian management, it was confirmed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests against England, prioritising workload management. 

Bumrah featured ...


News

Ireland name squad for Pakistan T20Is

7 hrs ago

Ireland have named a 14-player squad for the upcoming three-match home T20I series against Pakistan starting on August 6 in Belfast. The squad, which includes the likes of Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly and Orla Prendergast, will be led by Gaby Lewis. Lara McBride has been retained following her outstanding debut series against Zimbabwe...


News

R Ashwin backs Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to miss the fifth Test

8 hrs ago

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has supported pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s choice to sit out of the fifth and final Test against England, considering it a necessary move to manage his workload effectively. Ahead of the series, Indian management had confirmed that Bumrah would feature in just three of the five Test matches. This decision was taken...


News

WI vs PAK, 2nd T20I: All you need to know, head to head, probable XI

10 hrs ago

West Indies and England are ready to take on each other in the second match of the three-match T20I series on Sunday at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida. Pakistan, fresh off a comprehensive victory in the first T20I, are leading the series 1–0 and would hope to secure the series-clinching win heading into the second game. 

Meanwhile, West Indies ...


News

“But I didn't expect the couple of words”: Prasidh Krishna on the face-off with Root

10 hrs ago

India seized the momentum on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth Test against England, clawing back into the contest with a spirited bowling display that bundled out the hosts for 247 in response to India’s first-innings total of 224. By stumps, India had accumulated their lead to 52 runs, scoring 75/2 in their second innings on an exhilarating day at The Oval. Fifteen ...