The series between New Zealand and Pakistan comes to an end on April 5 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, with proceedings at a pivotal juncture. New Zealand lead 2-0, having secured convincing victories in the first two ODIs. In the second ODI, New Zealand posted a total of 292 for 8, largely thanks to Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 off 78. Pakistan’s response faltered early, with five wickets falling quickly, but Faheem Ashraf’s 73 and Naseem Shah’s 51 provided some pride, but they fell short by 84 runs.
The upcoming match not only provides New Zealand with the opportunity to complete a series clean sweep but also gives Pakistan the chance to restore pride officially. The final ODI should be closely contested as a result, although, as you will expect, New Zealand start as favourites in the 2-way Match betting.
The Story So Far
In the ongoing ODI series, New Zealand have secured a 2-0 lead and the series, and now they’re out to make it 3-0, while Pakistan are aiming to restore some pride and end the series with a win.
First ODI (March 29, Napier): New Zealand posted a huge score of 344 for 9, helped by Mark Chapman’s 132 and Daryl Mitchell’s 76. Debutant Muhammad Abbas contributed a rapid 52 off 26, recording the fastest fifty on ODI debut ever. Pakistan’s chase began steadily, with Babar Azam scoring 78 and Agha Salman adding another 58. However, a collapse from 249 for 3 to 271 all out ensured, handing New Zealand a commanding 73-run victory.
Second ODI (April 2, Hamilton): Opting to bat first, New Zealand were helped to a score of 292 for 8 by Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 and Muhammad Abbas’s 41. Pakistan’s innings faltered early, reduced to 32 for 5. Despite Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah scoring 73 and 51, respectively, Pakistan were bowled out for 208, losing by 84 runs and, therefore, losing also losing the series.
Team News
As New Zealand and Pakistan gear up for the third and final ODI on April 5, both sides are managing a couple of squad changes. New Zealand will once again be led by Michael Bracewell, who stepped in as skipper after Tom Latham was ruled out of the series with a hand injury. Latham’s absence has also left a gap behind the stumps, which Mitchell Hay has filled admirably. Hay, who impressed with an unbeaten 99 in the second ODI, is likely to retain both his starting place and the wicketkeeping gloves.
The Black Caps have also been forced to make further changes, with Will Young absent as he’s with his wife for the birth of their child. Selectors have called up Rhys Mariu in his place, and he could be in line for a debut. Henry Nicholls is another returning player, fit again after recovering from a calf strain and ready to go for the series finale.
Mohammad Rizwan will continue to lead Pakistan, after taking over leadership duties in October last year. Despite the series loss, Pakistan will field a competitive lineup as they aim to salvage pride. Experienced names like Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha remain in the squad, alongside Muhammad Abbas and Naseem Shah, who made a noticeable impact with both the bat and the ball in previous matches.
Key Battles to Watch
Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Kane Williamson
Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, is renowned for being able to claim wickets at crucial moments. His battle with New Zealand’s Kane Williamson will be pivotal. Williamson has the technical ability to rival anyone, but Afridi will look to strike early and prevent him from anchoring New Zealand’s innings.
Will O’Rourke vs Babar Azam
Will O’Rourke is New Zealand’s pacer, and he will challenge top-order batsmen. He will come up against Pakistan’s Babar Azam, whose elegant stroke play is central to Pakistan’s batting strength. O’Rourke will be looking to make an early breakthrough to disrupt Pakistan’s batting rhythm.
Michael Bracewell vs Mohammad Rizwan
New Zealand’s all-rounder and stand-in captain, Michael Bracewell, adds versatility to their team. He will contend with Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, a consistent performer. Bracewell’s off-spin and leadership will be tested against Rizwan’s aggressive yet calculated batting approach.
Mitchell Hay vs Naseem Shah
Mitchell Hay, New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batsman, impressed with an unbeaten 99 in the second ODU. Pakistan’s young fast bowler, Naseem Shah, who scored 51 in the same match, will aim to counter what Hay brings to the table with his pace and swing. This battle could impact New Zealand’s middle-order stability.
Salman Agha vs Ben Sears
Pakistan’s all-rounder, Salman Agha, has been a consistent performer for them, even though they’ve lost the series. He’s up against New Zealand’s fast bowler Ben Sears, who took five wickets in the second ODI. Agha’s ability to handle pace and Sears’ form with the ball make for an interesting contest between the two.
What We Can Expect
In many peoples’ eyes, the New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI series is over, as New Zealand are 2-0 heading into the final ODI. However, fans can still expect a competitive fixture despite the series already being decided, as both teams have something to play for. New Zealand, buoyed by their dominance in the first two games, are out for a 3-0 sweep. Their batting has been solid, with contributions throughout the order. Given the batting-friendly conditions at the Bay Oval, the hosts will back themselves to set or chase a high total.
Pakistan are under pressure to salvage pride. Their top order has faltered under swing and seam, and early wickets have set them back in both matches. However, there have been bright sparks and this suggests the visitors won’t go down quietly. Expect renewed intent from Pakistan, especially if they win the toss and bat first.
The Bay Oval pitch offers true bounce and value stroke play, so bowlers will need to be disciplined. New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Ben Sears, has done well to exploit early movement, and this will be their approach again. Pakistan’s hopes may rest on them striking early to put New Zealand’s batting under pressure as soon as possible.
Conclusion
New Zealand were expected to win the ODI series with Pakistan, with many backing them to do so via cricket betting online. However, it’s unclear whether many expected them to win the ODI series 3-0, which is a possibility as they head to the Bay Oval 2-0 to the good.
The series may be over for Pakistan in terms of their chances of winning, but they can restore pride and end the series 2-1, and this is what they’ll set out to do, even though the odds are stacked against them.
What worked for New Zealand in the first game of the series also worked for them in the second game. And this was largely down to Pakistan faltering under swing and seam. If the visitors correct this, it will, at the very least, be more competitive.
