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The third and final One Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Pakistan at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui promises to be a decisive encounter, as the hosts aim to complete a clean sweep of the series. After dominant performances in the first two ODIs, New Zealand head into this match with immense confidence, while Pakistan look to salvage some pride after a dismal tour. With the pitch expected to favor the bowlers and conditions ripe for high scores, this clash could see fireworks despite Pakistan’s struggles throughout the series. Below is a detailed preview of the match, including team analysis, fantasy picks, pitch report, toss prediction, and winner prediction.
Match Details
| Match | NZ vs PAK (3rd ODI, Pakistan Tour of New Zealand 2025) |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Tomorrow, [Insert Date] |
| Venue | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
| Recent Form | NZ: W-W-L-W-L, PAK: L-L-L-L-L |
Team Previews
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand have been relentless in their dominance over Pakistan, showcasing depth and adaptability across both batting and bowling departments. In the previous ODI, Mitchell Hay nearly scored a century, finishing unbeaten on 99, and played a pivotal role in rescuing the innings from 132/5 to a competitive total. The middle-order stability provided by players like Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell ensures that even if the top order falters, New Zealand can post challenging totals.
Their bowling attack has been equally impressive, with Ben Sears leading the charge with a five-wicket haul in the last game. Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke have complemented him well, extracting bounce and movement off the pitch. The Black Caps’ ability to capitalize on home conditions gives them a significant advantage heading into this contest.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been nothing short of disastrous, with their batting lineup failing to fire consistently. The top order, featuring Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, has struggled to get going, leaving the team reliant on lower-order heroics like Naseem Shah’s remarkable 51. Haris Rauf’s potential absence due to concussion further weakens their already fragile bowling attack.
While Faheem Ashraf and Akif Javed are expected to step up, their lack of experience in such high-pressure situations remains a concern. If Pakistan are to avoid another heavy defeat, their experienced batters must deliver, but their recent form suggests an uphill battle.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZ’s superior depth, home advantage, and consistent performances make them overwhelming favorites. |
Fantasy Team XI
Fantasy Team XI Table
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Hay | WK/Batsman | NZ |
| Nick Kelly | Batsman | NZ |
| Babar Azam | Batsman | PAK |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-Rounder | NZ |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-Rounder | PAK |
| Michael Bracewell | All-Rounder | NZ |
| Naseem Shah | Batsman | PAK |
| Ben Sears | Bowler | NZ |
| Jacob Duffy | Bowler | NZ |
| Akif Javed | Bowler | PAK |
| Will O’Rourke | Bowler | NZ |
Explanation
This fantasy XI balances explosive batting (Hay, Kelly), consistency (Babar, Mitchell), and wicket-taking bowlers (Sears, Duffy). It leans heavily towards New Zealand due to their superior form and depth.
Captain and Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Mitchell Hay (In-form batsman; capable of anchoring or accelerating)
- Vice-Captain: Babar Azam (Classy batter; consistent performer)
Players to Avoid
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.: Expensive in the last game and lacks control.
- Imam-ul-Haq: Struggling for form and hasn’t contributed significantly.
Team Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Squad Tables
| New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Rhys Mariu, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls | Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq |
| Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell | Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan |
| Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay | Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir |
| Nathan Smith, Ben Sears | Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed |
| Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke | Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Wasim |
Probable Playing XI
| New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Rhys Mariu, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls | Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq |
| Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell | Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan |
| Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay | Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir |
| Nathan Smith, Ben Sears | Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed |
| Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke | Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Wasim |
Pitch Report
The Bay Oval pitch is known to assist fast bowlers, offering bounce and movement early on. While it may ease out slightly for batting, the conditions demand quick adaptation. A par score of around 320-330 could be competitive, favoring teams chasing totals due to dew in the second innings.
Toss Prediction
Bowling first is likely to be the preferred choice, as three of the last three ODIs at this venue were won by teams chasing.
Winner Prediction
New Zealand are overwhelming favorites to win, given their superior depth, home advantage, and consistent performances throughout the series. However, Pakistan’s lower-order grit ensures a competitive contest.
Final Answer: ⬛ New Zealand
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