ISLAMABAD: With the series already lost, Pakistan will step onto the field in Wellington today (Wednesday) with one last shot at salvaging pride against a ruthless New Zealand side.
The young and inexperienced Pakistan squad has struggled to find its rhythm, oscillating between glimpses of promise and frustrating inconsistency. If the third T20I gave hope with a record-breaking century from Hasan Nawaz and a composed knock by Salman Ali Agha, the fourth match crushed that momentum, exposing the team’s recurring flaws once again.
Batting remains a major concern, with the top order failing to fire consistently. Mohammad Haris has become predictable as an opener, while even Hasan’s shot selection has raised eyebrows.
The bowling unit has also faltered, with Shaheen Shah Afridi unable to contain the flow of runs early in the innings. Only Haris Rauf has shown resilience, but he has received little support from his teammates.
As Pakistan braces for the final showdown, the challenge is not just New Zealand’s firepower but also history. Wellington has never been a happy hunting ground for Pakistan, and with the Black Caps in red-hot form, the odds seem stacked against the visitors.
Pakistan lost the last T20 series played under Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-1. The way visitors handle New Zealand aggression in the 4th T20, the end result does not look different this time around.
Will Pakistan’s young guns rise to the occasion, or will they end the series in disappointment? Wednesday’s battle will reveal whether this team has the grit to turn things around or if history is set to repeat itself.
Another good cricketing weather is expected on Wednesday for the series final match. Reports emerging from Wellington suggest that Pakistan is considering a couple of changes in the playing XI while New Zealand will go with the same XI. New Zealand team: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (capt), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke.
Pakistan (likely): Mohammad Haris (wk), Hassan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed.