Cricket Match Prediction | New Zealand vs Pakistan | 3rd ODI | APR 05 – Can PAK save themselves from the whitewash?  

NZ vs PAK Match Analysis

New Zealand and Pakistan will play each other in the final match of the 3-match ODI series, which will be played on April 5, 2025, at 04:00 AM BST at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. 

New Zealand, despite missing several first-choice players, has delivered a clinical performance in the ODI series, convincingly winning both matches so far and aiming to finish the tour on a high.

Pakistan’s struggles continue unabated, particularly against the Black Caps. After another lackluster showing, the team has already conceded the series. They will now look to salvage some pride with a consolation win in the final match of the tour.

NZ vs PAK Team Preview & Squads

New Zealand 

New Zealand’s young batters have seamlessly integrated into the playing XI. Rhys Mariu, making his international debut on Wednesday, impressed by forming a steady opening stand with Nick Kelly. In the middle order, Muhammad Abbas and Mitchell Hay have shown great composure, with Hay notably remaining unbeaten on 99 in the last match to guide his team to a winning total.

The batting lineup is further strengthened by the presence of seasoned players such as Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and Michael Bracewell. Mark Chapman, who missed the previous game due to injury, is expected to return for the upcoming match, adding more depth to the side.

On the bowling front of NZ, the hosts have been just as effective. Ben Sears delivered a superb performance on Wednesday, claiming a five-wicket haul. Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith have also been among the wickets, taking five each. The spinners, however, have had limited involvement so far.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand Squads

Nathan Smith, Michael Bracewell, Tom Latham, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Rhys Mariu, Adithya Ashok, Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay

Pakistan

Pakistan showed some promise with the ball in the second ODI, delivering encouraging spells and figures, but their top order faltered badly. The seasoned batters must rise to the occasion, or the visitors risk ending the series with a 3-0 whitewash.

None of Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, or Salman Agha managed to reach double digits, with Agha’s strike rate of 60.00 being the only one above 33.33. A significant turnaround is needed, and it must come from one of these five experienced campaigners if PAK hopes to bounce back.

With Haris Rauf likely sidelined due to a concussion, the responsibility of leading the pace attack with the new ball is expected to fall on Faheem Ashraf and Akif Javed.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan Squads

Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mohammad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Agha, Akif Javed, Abdullah Shafique 

New Zealand vs Pakistan outfield report 

Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

We forecast that both teams will try to bowl first in this match because the chasing team has won the last three ODIs at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Although Mount Maunganui is expected to get a lot of rain on Friday, Saturday is predicted to be sunny, with temperatures in the mid-twenties.

The quick bowlers will have help, just like on many of the other grounds utilized in this series and tour.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 matches, NZ won all of them. 

New Zealand vs Pakistan Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that New Zealand has a 63% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.