NZ vs PAK 3rd T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Kane Williamson has been ruled out of 3rd T20I [X.com]

New Zealand and Pakistan are set to clash in the third T20I of their five-match series on Wednesday, January 17, at the University Oval in Dunedin.

With New Zealand already holding a 2-0 lead in the series, they are on track for a series victory. The team's first win in Auckland, by a margin of 46 runs, was followed by a second victory at Seddon Park, where they secured a 21-run triumph.

NZ vs PAK: Team Previews

New Zealand

Having achieved consecutive victories in the first two T20Is, New Zealand will approach the third match with high confidence. The team's management aspires to witness consistent performances from the players, both with the bat and ball, aiming to clinch the series. 

However, the Black Caps will be without their captain, Kane Williamson, who sustained a hamstring injury in the preceding game in Hamilton. 

Williamson, who retired hurt during their batting innings and didn't participate in fielding, will be replaced by Tim Seifert, while Mitchell Santner takes over the captaincy duties. Additionally, Josh Clarkson has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury, with Will Young replacing him in the squad.

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The team will heavily rely on Finn Allen's aggressive batting during the powerplay, which has played a crucial role in New Zealand's recent victories. 

Daryl Mitchell has also made notable contributions with the bat. The bowling unit, led by Tim Southee, has effectively contained the extensive batting lineup of the opposition, contributing to their success in the series.

Pakistan

Babar Azam has slammed two successive fifties [X.com]

Pakistan's bowlers, particularly skipper Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, have struggled to keep runs in check, with Abbas Afridi being a notable exception. 

Afridi has been ruled out of the upcoming contest due to discomfort from a low-grade abdominal wall muscle strain. Zaman Khan has been named his replacement. 

In the batting department, Pakistan will heavily depend on key players such as Mohammad Rizwan, opening partner Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, and the experienced Iftikhar Ahmed to contribute significantly in this crucial match. 

Pakistan fell short of victory despite putting up a good fight in the first two games. The upcoming match is a virtual series decider for them, emphasising the importance of securing a win at this stage. The team recognises that the time to turn things around is now or never.

NZ vs PAK 3rd T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming 

NZ vs PAK: Dunedin Pitch Report

The average score in T20Is held in Dunedin is 195, indicating the potential for a high-scoring match. Out of the five T20Is played at this venue, teams batting first have emerged victorious in three instances. The team setting the total in the initial innings will likely aim for a substantial score to create pressure on the opposing side. While fast bowlers may find assistance with the new ball, as it gets old, the focus will shift to the batters to make an impact.

NZ vs PAK: Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan have announced their playing XI for the 3rd T20I vs New Zealand. 

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (C), Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (C), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

NZ vs PAK: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

NZ vs PAK: Match Prediction

With two comfortable victories under their belt and the momentum on their side, New Zealand appear poised to secure the series win, even in the absence of Williamson. Pakistan, seemingly in disarray, faces a daunting challenge against the formidable New Zealand side.

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