WELLINGTON, New Zealand: The third and final Twenty20 of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday, reported by PTV Sports live
The three-match series between the two countries is leveling by 1-1. Unlike the first T20, Pakistani bowlers didn’t bowl well in the second match as none of bowlers could pick a wicket, even though having a quite decent score on the board to defend.
Muhammad Amir, whose return in the squad after five years was expected to further strengthen the Pakistan’s bowling lineup, wasn’t up to the mark as he gave 34 runs in his 3 overs without getting any wicket.
However, the remarkable performance of New Zealand openers Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson with the bat throughout the innings also didn’t allow Pakistani bowlers to make the breakthrough, after once they had established an excellent opening partnership.
Both the batsmen remained not out, creating the biggest partnership in T20 format. They scored 87 and 72 runs respectively.
It is the last T20 game for New Zealand before Kiwis will travel to India for T20 world Cup in March-April 2016. However, Pakistan has to play the Asia Cup in Bangladesh which will be played in T20 format for the first time, prior to the beginning of mega event.
“The match is important as it will help us build our combination ahead of the World T20. We are capable of winning against any team in the world,” Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi said according to ESPNcricinfo.
Both the sides especially Pakistan is expected to make a few changes in the 11-member squad for the third T20.
Pakistan third T20 Squad (probable)
Muhammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Muhammad Rizwan, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (Captain), Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed (Wicket Keeper), Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul/Anwar Ali, Muhammad Amir
New Zealand third T20 Squad (probable)
Kane Williamson (Captain), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi (Wicket Keeper), Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult/Matt Henry
