NZ vs PAK Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 4th T20I match between New Zealand and Pakistan?

New Zealand (NZ) and Pakistan (PAK) will continue their ongoing five-match T20I series with the fourth match at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, March 23. This fixture will be a good chance for the Kiwis to seal the series and an opportunity for the visitors to level the series and have a chance to clinch the series. 

The five-match series is currently in a tricky position, with the Kiwis winning the first two games convincingly by nine and five wickets, respectively, before Pakistan bounced back in style in the third match. The tourist's brilliant nine-wicket win in Auckland got them back in the series. Chasing 205, they comfortably took on New Zealand’s bowling attack, thanks to Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 105 off 45 balls. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand, despite the loss, has played well throughout the series. Mark Chapman’s 94 off 44 balls in the last game was a highlight, but the bowlers struggled against the Men in Green batters. With Matt Henry ruled out, the Kiwis will need their young pacers to step up.

Match Details 

Pitch Report 

The Bay Oval surface provides help to fast bowlers early on, with some seam movement. However, it becomes a batting-friendly surface as the match progresses. Pacers must adapt by hitting the deck hard and using variations once the ball gets older. Furthermore, the surface may slow down, making spinners more effective. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first to take advantage of the conditions and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition.

Head-to-Head record

Predicted Playing XIs 

New Zealand 

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay(w), Michael Bracewell(c), Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears

Pakistan 

Mohammad Haris(w), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha(c), Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

Probable Best Performers 

Probable best batter: Salman Agha 

Pakistan's skipper Salman Agha has been in great form of late. In three innings, Agha has scored 115 runs, including a match-winning 51-run knock in the previous game. He is currently the highest run-scorer of the series. The 31-year-old will once again have to fire with the bat to help his side level the series. 

Probable best bowler: Jacob Duffy 

With seven wickets in three games, New Zealand's pacer Jacob Duffy is currently the highest wicket-taker of the series. The right-arm speedster took one wicket in the last game and will hope to add more wickets to his kitty in the 4th T20I. Duffy will have to provide breakthroughs at crucial points as the team hopes to clinch the series. 

Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match 

Scenario 1   

• New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first 
• Powerplay: 50-55 
• NZ: 155-165
• New Zealand win the match   

Scenario 2   

• Pakistan win the toss and opt to bat first 
• Powerplay: 45-50
• PAK: 145-155
• New Zealand win the match 

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.