Pakistan look to salvage T20I series against New Zealand

 

Pakistan look to salvage T20I series against New Zealand 

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The stage is set for a high-stakes clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as Pakistan and New Zealand lock horns in the fifth and final T20I of the series on Saturday.

The home side finds themselves in a precarious position, having lost the last two matches and trailing the series 2-1. Captain Babar Azam will be under immense pressure to lead his team to a much-needed victory and salvage some pride by leveling the series.

One of Pakistan's major concerns has been their inconsistent batting performances. Key players like Mohammad Rizwan (not playing in this series), and Fakhar Zaman haven't fired consistently. The middle-order, too, has looked shaky, leaving the team with low totals on the board.

The batting concerns revolving around Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan and even Iftikhar Ahmed have left the team grappling with low confidence. As D-day approaches, the spotlight remains on whether Pakistan can salvage some pride or if New Zealand will culminate the series with a perfect victory.

Despite the batting struggles, bowlers like Mohammad Amir and Abbas Afridi have shown promise. The return of pace spearheads Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah could give Pakistan's bowling attack a much-needed boost.

In the 4th T20I, Pakistan suffered a close defeat at the hands of New Zealand. Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim and Abbas Afridi put in credible performances for Pakistan in the previous match.

New Zealand, under the leadership of stand-in captain Michael Bracewell, has surprised many with their clinical performances. They will be brimming with confidence and will be looking to seal the series win in Lahore.

Opener Tim Robinson, and Dean Foxcroft have provided solid starts at the top, while the likes of Mark Chapman and James Neesham have chipped in with valuable contributions in the middle order in the series.

New Zealand boasts a balanced bowling attack, with William O'Rourke and Ben Sears impressing in the previous match. The experience of Ish Sodhi and the potential return of Jacob Duffy add further depth to their bowling unit.

Expectations are that Pakistan would overcome New Zealand by a close margin and level the T20I series. The visitors will be hoping to maintain their winning ways and clinch the T20I series on Saturday.

The home side might make changes as Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed might return for the series decider. Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed will sit on the sidelines for this high-octane clash.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, captain Babar Azam, wicket-keeper Usman Khan, and all-rounder Shadab Khan to do the bulk of the scoring.

As fo New Zealand their batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of rookie opener Tim Robinson, Dean Foxcroft, wicket-keeper Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, and James Neesham to deliver the bulk of the runs.

The Lahore pitch is expected to be batting-friendly with some assistance for the faster bowlers. The weather forecast predicts partly cloudy skies with moderate humidity. Both teams will be aiming to win the toss and bat first, hoping to post a competitive total on the board.

While Pakistan will be desperate to avoid a series defeat at home, New Zealand will be determined to maintain their winning momentum and clinch the series. This match promises to be a close and thrilling contest. The visitors will take heart from the fact that they have won previous two matches played at Lahore.

The team management will be hoping the side can bring their A-grade to the table in this fixture. Expect Pakistan to overcome New Zealand by a close margin and level the T20I series. Both the sides will be keen to win the toss, bat first and post a score in excess of 175 runs. The previous match played at Lahore was won by side batting first.

Teams (from):

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Haseebullah, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohmmad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.