NZ vs PAK, 3rd ODI, Preview: New Zealand's chance to win the series against an under-pressure Pakistan

New Zealand have a great chance to seal the series when they lock horns against Pakistan in the third match of the series in Dunedin. The hosts are in superb form and have kept the visitors at bay in both the previous games. While it was Kane Williamson’s century in the opening match that won them the game, Martin Guptill’s blitz helped them gun down the tricky chase a couple of days ago. However, Pakistan would be eager to win the match and keep the series alive as they have got a job on their hands.

The Kiwis have been clinical so far in their home summer having blanked Windies recently and have also won the first two games of the series comprehensively. The way they are dominating the opposition is more heartening for their fans and team management. All the players have put their hands up when the team is in a little bit of trouble and has shown their character at the highest level.

Pakistan, on the other hand, needs to get things right at any cost in a must-win game now as they are on the brink of losing the series. Their batsmen have found wanting in demanding conditions struggling to cope with the wind and the swing. Even the bowlers have bowled well in patches but need to more consistent. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the skipper himself has to lead from the front and make amends for his team. If they don’t hunt the Kiwis in the pack, the series will be surely gone for them.

Team Combinations

New Zealand

The home side looks settled and would be keen to dominate the Men in Green in the third match also. Even Guptill has come back in form after looking rusty in the first match. The middle order has also been in wonderful touch continuing the momentum gained by the openers. They are bolstered by the return of Colin de Grandhomme to the squad for the last three ODIs. He will be surely playing in the XI as Todd Astle would be unlucky to miss out on his place. They would guard themselves against any more changes with an aim to seal the deal in Dunedin itself.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Pakistan

Pakistan have to get their combinations right and they are looking to make a couple of changes. Fakhar Zaman, the star of the first game, was seen batting in the nets and is expected to return for the must-win encounter. Also, Haris Sohail might get a look in into the XI at the expense of Rumman Raees who has been ineffective in the first two games. His presence will bolster their batting as well. Sohail is also a decent bowler who will work as the fifth bowling option and might be covered with a few overs of Shoaib Malik as well.

Probable XI: Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali

Focus will be on

Colin Munro (New Zealand)

The swashbuckling left-handed batsman has been comparatively calm this series so far and he would be itching to make the difference. He looked in ominous touch against the Carribean side and will be looking to play a big knock in Dunedin. His transformation as the top order player is in progress currently and is auguring well for him. Munro failed in the last match wafting at a harmless delivery from Mohammad Amir and would want to make sure he gets his eye in before going for a big shot on the day.

Azhar Ali (Pakistan)

Azhar Ali was recalled to the ODI set up for this series given his capability to cope with the moving ball. But he has failed miserably so far and has to score big in the third game. He is due for one now and his experience at the top should help the middle order to post a more than decent total if they bat first. Even in the chase, his presence in the middle would help. Moreover, the batsmen can revolve around Azhar with him holding the one end consistently for the most part of the innings.

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