Match Details
Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I, Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Date & Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, 11:45 AM (IST)
Live Broadcast & Streaming: FanCode and Sony Sports Network (app & website)
Team Overviews
New Zealand
New Zealand have been dominant in the series so far, leading 2-0 in the five-match series. The Michael Bracewell-led side has performed brilliantly in both batting and bowling, despite missing key players like Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, and Mitchell Santner. The hosts will look to seal the series in Auckland with another strong display.
Pakistan
Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, have struggled to make an impact. Despite some individual performances, they have failed to capitalize on key moments. This third T20I is a must-win for them to stay alive in the series. A better collective performance with both bat and ball will be crucial if they aim to turn things around.
Key Players to Watch
New Zealand
- Finn Allen – The explosive opener has been in good touch and will enjoy the short boundaries at Eden Park.
- Michael Bracewell (c) – The all-rounder has led from the front and will play a crucial role with both bat and ball.
- Ben Sears – The pacer impressed in the last match with his variations and will look to exploit the conditions again.
Pakistan
- Salman Ali Agha (c) – The Pakistan skipper played a fighting knock in the last game and will be key in anchoring the innings.
- Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s spearhead will need to provide early breakthroughs to put pressure on the hosts.
- Irfan Khan – A promising middle-order batter, who will need to step up in this crucial game.
Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches Played: 46
New Zealand Wins: 25
Pakistan Wins: 19
Tied: 0
No Result: 2
First-ever Fixture: September 22, 2007
Most Recent Fixture: March 18, 2025
Predicted Playing XIs
New Zealand
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Finn Allen
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- James Neesham
- Mitchell Hay
- Michael Bracewell (c)
- Kyle Jamieson
- Jacob Duffy
- Ish Sodhi
- Ben Sears
Pakistan
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Omair Yousuf
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Irfan Khan
- Shadab Khan
- Abdul Samad
- Khushdil Shah
- Jahandad Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abbas Afridi
Pitch Report
Eden Park is traditionally known for high-scoring encounters. The short boundaries and a flat surface favor aggressive stroke play, making it a paradise for batters. However, the new ball might offer some assistance to fast bowlers early on. Expect a run-fest with both teams looking to capitalize on the conditions.
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
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- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
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Probable Scenarios
Scenario 1: New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first
- Powerplay Score: 40-50 (Pakistan)
- Final Score: 170-180
- Winner: New Zealand
Scenario 2: Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl first
- Powerplay Score: 55-65 (New Zealand)
- Final Score: 190-210
- Winner: New Zealand
Match Prediction
Based on the current form and momentum, New Zealand are the favorites to win the match and secure the series with a 3-0 lead. However, if Pakistan’s key players step up, they might have a chance to pull off an upset and stay alive in the series.
Prediction: New Zealand to win
