Pakistan vs New Zealand: 3rd ODI Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

NZ players celebrate a wicket in 2nd ODI (Source: PCB)

New Zealand’s insurgency in the second ODI has led the third game to be the decider of their three-match series against Pakistan. The contest also marks the conclusion of New Zealand’s 2022-23 tour to Pakistan, which also featured a drawn two-match Test series.

The ‘Men in Green’ won the opening ODI by overhauling the visitors’ 255-run total with ease. Senior batter Mohammad Rizwan whacked an unbeaten 77 in the run-chase and commanded his side to a six-wicket win.

Tearaway pacer Naseem Shah was also one of the architects of Pakistan’s victory through his five-wicket haul that wrecked the Kiwi top-order.

New Zealand responded back with equal ferocity in the next game, and handed the hosts a 79-run hammering on a platter. Opener Devon Conway struck a majestic hundred, the second of his ODI career, while captain Kane Williamson produced a cunning 85 in the middle.

The Black Caps’ bowlers later folded up the Babar Azam-led side for just 182, thus levelling the series and enforcing a decider in Karachi.

Notably, the matches in the series forms a part of the ongoing 2020–2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, a roadmap to qualify in this year’s ODI World Cup in India.

Match Details

Date and Time: January 13, 03:00 PM IST
Venue: National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The surface at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena is expected to be a batting friendly one, with much assistance for pacers as well. In the two matches played at the venue in this series, the average first-innings score has been 258.

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keeper: Tom Latham, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Devon Conway
All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner, Mohammad Nawaz
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

Captain: Devon Conway
Vice-Captain: Babar Azam

Prediction

New Zealand will fancy their chances to win this match and pocket the series, considering their emphatic win over the hosts in their previous encounter.

Also Read:  Devon Conway credits Williamson for ton as NZ sets up decider