Pakistan aims to salvage pride in final match of New Zealand tour

The third and final ODI of the series between New Zealand and Pakistan will take place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

New Zealand has already clinched the ODI series with two comprehensive victories: a 73-run triumph in the first match and an 84-run demolition in the second.

For Pakistan, things have only worsened. With their pride at stake, the Men in Green will be eager to finish strong and avoid a series sweep.

Though Pakistan has shown moments of potential, they have been unable to maintain pressure, particularly in the latter stages of both their batting and bowling innings.

Given their recent successes in away ODI series against Australia and South Africa, and the absence of key New Zealand players due to IPL commitments and injuries, Pakistan was expected to perform better. However, they have continued to struggle, especially in the death overs and in forming stable partnerships with the bat.

Team news

New Zealand batter Mark Chapman, who missed the second ODI due to a hamstring injury, will also be unavailable for the final match.

The hosts also lost Tom Latham before the series due to a fractured hand. Rhys Mariu, who made his international debut in the second ODI, is likely to retain his place alongside Nick Kelly at the top of the order. Ben Sears, who replaced Chapman in the second game, could also feature again.

Pakistan, on the other hand, might make a few changes. Tayyab Tahir’s poor form may pave the way for Khushdil Shah’s inclusion. In the bowling department, Mohammad Ali could return in place of Haris Rauf.

Pitch and weather report

Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui is known for being a batting-friendly venue. However, recent overnight rain could assist seamers early on. Historically, teams batting first have won 14 times, while chasing teams have triumphed on 16 occasions. Rain is forecasted to clear by match time, with cloudy conditions prevailing.

With conditions favoring seamers early on, the team winning the toss might opt to bowl first.

Statistical insights

New Zealand at Bay Oval: The hosts have played 10 ODIs at this venue, winning five and losing five.

Pakistan will be playing their first-ever ODI at this ground.

Daryl Mitchell vs Pakistan: Mitchell has amassed 640 runs in 13 ODIs against Pakistan at an average of 49.23, including two centuries and three fifties.

Babar Azam vs New Zealand: The Pakistani skipper has scored 1088 runs in 25 ODIs against the Black Caps, averaging 47.3 with two centuries and ten fifties.

Probable XIs

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Akif Javed

New Zealand: Nick Kelly, Rhys Mariu, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (wk), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke