The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is all set to host Pakistan and New Zealand for the last time in the ongoing series. Both teams will battle each other in PAK vs NZ 5th T20I on Saturday, April 27.
The visiting Kiwis lead the PAK vs NZ T20I series 2-1 after four matches. If they win the final match, they will win the series. Pakistan has no chance of winning the series and can only level it with victory in the final match. Below is the prediction for PAK vs NZ 5th T20I 2024.
PAK vs NZ Team Analysis
Pakistan
Babar Azam leads Pakistan in PAK vs NZ T20I series. Pakistan won the opening game by 7 wickets thanks to their brilliant bowling show. However, they lost the next two games. Pakistan has a stronger team than New Zealand. However, they have failed with their teamwork in both pursuit and defense.
New Zealand
Michael Bracewell is the captain of New Zealand in the PAK vs NZ T20I series. New Zealand has a second line team made up of youngsters and debutants. However, they showed surprising efforts in the series to dominate the opposition.
Also Read: PAK vs New Zealand: “Pakistan scored more boundaries and bowled more dot balls than New Zealand…” – Azhar Mahmood goes nuts
Key factors between PAK and New Zealand
Field conditions
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is considered a batsman’s paradise. The playing field is flat and offers bounce. Therefore, the batsmen dominate the bowlers in the stadium. Pacers get more advantage than spinners.
The previous match also took place in the same stadium and both teams easily racked up over 170 hits. However, the pitch has helped both batsmen and bowlers in the ongoing series.
Form and fitness
Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan have been dropped from the PAK squad and will miss the final match. New Zealand has no new injury cases after the first four matches.
Tactical insight
Pakistan: All key players are available for the series. They have the advantage of playing at home. Babar Azam is a powerful captain with a lot of leadership experience. These are some of the strong points of the local team.
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell has less experience as captain, but New Zealand have relied on their teamwork to overcome Pakistan. They have new players who are a surprise for the Pakistan team. The Kiwis are missing their key members who are busy in IPL 2024.
Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Mohammad Rizwan’s participation in T20 WC 2024 under threat? Babar Azam Provides Great Update
PAK vs NZ Match Prediction: 5th T20I, Who will win today’s T20I match? New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2024
PAK vs NZ Score Prediction
Players to make prediction.
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub are the team’s main pacers after the injured Mohammad Rizwan. Abbas Afridi and Shaheen Afridi are the main wicket-takers of the team.
New Zealand: Mark Chapman and Tim Robinson are the team’s leading scorers. Isha Sodhi, William ORourke and Michael Bracewell have the most scalps.
PAK vs NZ Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score more runs for PAK in the match: Fakhar Zaman or Babar Azam
Who will score the most runs for New Zealand in the match? Mark Chapman or Tom Blundell
PAK vs NZ Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for PAK in the match? Shaheen Afridi or Abbas Afridi
Who will pick the most wickets for New Zealand in the match: William ORourke or Michael Bracewell?
Who will win the match?
It is challenging to predict the outcome of PAK vs NZ 5th T20I. Interestingly, there are three possibilities. To begin with, Pakistan can win the match to level the series. Furthermore, New Zealand can get a win to achieve a wonderful series victory.
The match may also be lost as there is a high chance of rain in Lahore on Saturday. New Zealand has a perfect opportunity to overtake Pakistan due to its advantage and climatic conditions. Hence, they spare no effort to give their best show.
Conclusion
Pakistan is on the verge of a humiliating defeat at home. In January they faced a miserable 4-1 defeat against New Zealand. Now, they have to get past the Kiwis to retain their respect at home.
The senior members will look to get down to business in PAK vs NZ 5th T20I. However, New Zealand are at the peak of their confidence with back-to-back wins in the last two matches.