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New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the final T20I of the five-match series at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on 26 March. The Kiwis have already sealed the series with a dominant 3-1 lead after a commanding 115-run victory in the fourth game at Mount Maunganui. With their top-order batsmen firing and their bowlers delivering match-winning performances, New Zealand has showcased why they are one of the best teams in the shortest format.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s inconsistent batting and lackluster bowling have left them struggling to find answers. As the two teams gear up for the series finale, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan can salvage pride or if New Zealand will extend their dominance.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 5th T20I |
| Venue | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
| Date & Time | 26 March 2025, 11:45 AM (IST) |
| Series Status | NZ leads 3-1 |
Team Previews
New Zealand Preview
The Black Caps have been outstanding throughout the series, thanks to their explosive batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack. Their top-order trio of Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Mark Chapman has consistently delivered, scoring heavily and setting strong platforms. Seifert, the leading run-scorer of the series with 152 runs at a strike rate of 185, has been particularly impressive. Allen’s blistering knock of 50 off just 20 balls in the previous game highlighted his ability to dominate from ball one.
In the bowling department, Jacob Duffy has been phenomenal, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 8. His knack for picking early wickets makes him lethal in powerplays. Ish Sodhi and Zakary Foulkes have provided excellent support, ensuring no respite for the opposition batters. If New Zealand continues this form, they will be hard to stop.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan finds itself in disarray after being bundled out for 105 in the last game. Their batting has lacked consistency, with only Salman Agha showing some resistance with 116 runs in four matches. Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz, who had started well, have faltered under pressure. Shadab Khan, usually reliable with both bat and ball, has struggled, managing just 30 runs and one wicket in four games.
Bowling-wise, Haris Rauf has been their standout performer with eight wickets but needs more support from Shaheen Afridi, who has taken only two scalps so far. Unless Pakistan addresses these issues quickly, another defeat looms large.
Favourite Team to Win Today
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | Strong batting depth, consistent bowling performance, home advantage, and psychological edge over Pakistan. |
Fantasy Team XI
- WK: Tim Seifert (NZ)
- BAT: Finn Allen (NZ), Mark Chapman (NZ), Salman Agha (PAK)
- AR: Daryl Mitchell (NZ), James Neesham (NZ), Shadab Khan (PAK)
- BOWL: Jacob Duffy (NZ), Ish Sodhi (NZ), Haris Rauf (PAK)
Explanation: The fantasy team includes key performers like Tim Seifert and Finn Allen for their explosive batting, while Jacob Duffy and Haris Rauf add value as wicket-takers. All-rounders like Daryl Mitchell and Shadab Khan provide balance.
Captain/Vice-Captain Suggestions
Captain: Jacob Duffy (NZ) – Leading wicket-taker of the series.
Vice-Captain: Tim Seifert (NZ) – Formidable opener with high strike rates.
Players to Avoid
- Shaheen Afridi (PAK) – Poor form with only two wickets.
- Khushdil Shah (PAK) – Inconsistent with both bat and ball.
Probable Playing XIs
| New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Tim Seifert | Mohammad Haris (wk) |
| Finn Allen | Hasan Nawaz |
| Mark Chapman | Salman Agha (c) |
| Daryl Mitchell | Irfan Khan |
| James Neesham | Khushdil Shah |
| Mitchell Hay (wk) | Shadab Khan |
| Michael Bracewell (c) | Abdul Samad |
| Kyle Jamieson | Shaheen Afridi |
| Jacob Duffy | Abbas Afridi |
| Ish Sodhi | Abrar Ahmed |
| Ben Sears | Haris Rauf |
Pitch Report
Sky Stadium’s drop-in pitch favors batsmen, with an average first-innings score of 153. Expect fast outfield conditions and assistance for pacers early on.
Toss Prediction
Teams tend to bowl first here, given the chasing success rate of 12/22 games.
Winner Prediction
New Zealand is expected to win due to superior form, firepower, and home advantage.
Final Answer: New Zealand
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