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New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III Tips - Hosts to close out series

By Sridhar Bhamidi

20 Mar 2025

Sridhar Bhamidi 20 Mar 2025

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New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III match predictions to be played in Auckland on Friday, March 21
New Zealand won 5 of their last 6 T20Is
Pakistan lost 6 of their recent 7 away T20Is against New Zealand

Can New Zealand close out the T20I series against Pakistan with a win in the third match? (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III

It’s New Zealand’s first chance to win the series as they host Pakistan in the third match of the five-game T20I series. The Black Caps have a 2-0 lead ahead of this third match at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.

New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III
Head to Head
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News
New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III FAQs

Pakistan have struggled to arrive in this series, as was evident in both the matches so far. Although there were a few improvements in the second game compared to the first, the hosts still seem to be a stronger outfit. I am putting my money on the Kiwis closing out the series here.

New Zealand won 5 of their last 6 T20Is.
New Zealand won 4 of their last 7 T20Is at this venue.
Pakistan lost 6 of their last 7 T20Is away against New Zealand.
Pakistan lost 10 of their last 13 completed T20Is against New Zealand.

Head to Head

New Zealand and Pakistan have played each other in 46 T20Is so far. Out of these, the Kiwis won 21, and Pakistan won 23 games. It is the Black Caps who have an edge in recent games, having won four of the last five matches between these sides.

The first match of this series saw New Zealand win by nine wickets, and the second match at Dunedin saw the Kiwis win by five wickets in a game shortened by rain.

New Zealand Form

The Kiwis were a weakened side due to players leaving for the IPL but have still managed to win both the matches with considerable ease.

The two matches provided a good platform for Tim Siefert (89 runs, SR 174.50), who scored 45 and 44 in the series. Finn Allen also impressed with an SR of 203.03, but their performances meant the others didn’t have a chance to impress.

The series also saw Jacob Duffy produce the goods with six wickets in the series. Ish Sodhi (four wickets) and Kyle Jamieson (4-1-8-3) also showed their mettle in the matches so far.

New Zealand Team News

This will be Jamieson’s last match of the series before Matt Henry joins the squad for the final two matches.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan were looking to kickstart their redemption after the disappointment of the Champions Trophy, but this series was anything but that. They looked out of range and out of depth in both games so far.

The Green Caps are being led by Salman Agha (64 runs) this series, and he literally has been leading their batting charge. With none of the other batters even managing more than 34 runs in the series, this is a huge concern for the visitors.

The bowling has been a bigger letdown, as only Haris Rauf has taken two wickets, while four others have taken one wicket each. With almost every bowler leaking runs in tonnes, the visitors need a big change in their template to make a comeback.

Pakistan Team News

Pakistan could look to shake up their bowling unit, with Abrar Ahmed or Sufiyan Muqeem likely to come into the playing side. There’s a chance for Omair Yousuf to sneak into the XI in place of Hasan Nawaz.

New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III FAQs

Where can I watch the New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III live stream.

What time does New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III start?

This New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I III match is being played at the Eden Park in Auckland starting at 11:45 a.m. IST on Friday, March 21.

Verdict

New Zealand v Pakistan 3rd T20

It’s a must-win for Pakistan, but they look down and out, especially with their bowling struggles. That said, if any team can bounce out of nowhere, it’s Pakistan! New Zealand will be careful of that and may have covered their bases to snuff out any comeback. I am backing New Zealand to win here.