PAK Vs NZ, 5th T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Pakistan is trailing the series 2-1 (AP Photo)

After suffering a narrow 4-run defeat to New Zealand in the penultimate T20I, Pakistan will be determined to square things up in the fifth and final T20I on Saturday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Team Previews

Pakistan

Abbas Afridi celebrating a wicket with Babar Azam (AP Photo)

The series has been a rollercoaster for Pakistan, with the opening match washed out, a win in the second T20I, but then stumbling in the third and fourth games. In their latest outing, Pakistan's bowling line-up felt the absence of Shaheen Afridi.

Abbas Afridi stepped up, taking three wickets for just 20 runs in his three-over spell. Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Usama Mir, and Iftikhar Ahmed each chipped in with a wicket, but the effort wasn't enough to stop New Zealand from posting a formidable total of 178/7.

Pakistan's batting faltered, with openers Babar Azam and Saim Ayub falling short of expectations. 

Apart from Fakhar Zaman, who struck a valiant 61 off 45 balls, the Pakistani lineup struggled to build momentum, ending their innings at 174/8. 

With their backs against the wall, Pakistan is eager to turn the tables and draw the series.

New Zealand

Michael Bracewell is leading NZ in Pakistan (AP Photo)

On the other hand, Tim Robinson was instrumental for New Zealand, scoring a brisk 51 off 36 balls, with Tom Blundell, Dean Foxcroft, and Michael Bracewell also making significant contributions.

William O'Rourke shone with the ball, snagging 3/27 in his spell, supported by Ben Sears with two wickets, as they clamped down on Pakistan's chase. 

The visitors will aim to secure a win and clinch the series.

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PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Lahore Pitch Report

The pitch in Lahore traditionally favours the side batting first, as the surface tends to slow down, playing into the hands of the spinners. This was evident in the previous game where the team that batted first walked away with the win. Captains winning the toss in the upcoming clash will likely opt to bat first, aiming for a score around 180, which is considered competitive at this venue.

PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Probable Playing 11

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Falhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Tom Blundell (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell (c), James Neesham, William O’Rourke, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy

PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: Winner Prediction

Considering the form and formidable team composition, New Zealand are the favourites to win the PAK vs NZ 5th T20I.

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