New Zealand leads the T20I series 3-1 against Pakistan, with low stakes for the final match. Jacob Duffy stands out for New Zealand, while Mohammad Haris has struggled to replicate his World Cup success. Both teams’ lineups are significantly affected by player absences, and favorable weather conditions suggest an ideal setting for play.
The fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan heads into an almost meaningless matchup, with New Zealand leading the series 3-1. New Zealand has opted to rest several key players while Pakistan hopes to revamp its approach after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. The stakes for this game are low, given the series outcome and player absences.
In recent form, New Zealand’s last five games show a record of WLWWL, whereas Pakistan struggles with LWLLL. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy has excelled in this series, becoming the leading wicket-taker and proving effective against Pakistan. His performance in the previous match helped dismantle the Pakistani top order.
Conversely, Mohammad Haris has not maintained his earlier World Cup form, falling short in recent innings. His promising 41 runs came in one match, but he has averaged below 15 in the subsequent eight innings. The fluid selection process within Pakistan makes it difficult for his place to be assured as he faces pressure to perform.
For the fifth T20I, New Zealand may field an unchanged eleven after their recent successful outing. Their probable lineup includes Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Jacob Duffy. Pakistan, however, might rotate players with a possible lineup featuring Mohammad Haris and Shadab Khan among others.
Weather conditions in Wellington appear favorable for cricket, indicating a pleasant evening for play. Historical data shows prior high scores in T20Is at this venue, contributing to an expectation of a high-scoring game. In T20I statistics, both teams boast prolific wicket-takers, with Pakistan’s trio holding over 100 scalps each.
Notably, Jimmy Neesham is close to reaching a 1000-run milestone in T20Is. Pakistan’s recent performance has been underwhelming, with only four wins in their last 22 T20I matches excluding games against less competitive teams through 2024.
This fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan arrives with low stakes as New Zealand leads the series. The contrasting forms of Jacob Duffy and Mohammad Haris highlight the different trajectories of the teams. With favorable weather conditions and important milestones on the line, the match could serve as a crucial test for both sides moving forward in T20I cricket.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
