LAHORE: The stage is set for a high-stakes clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as Pakistan and New Zealand lock horns in the fifth and final T20I of the series on Saturday.
The home side finds themselves in a precarious position, having lost the last two matches and trailing the series 2-1. Captain Babar Azam will be under immense pressure to lead his team to a much-needed victory and salvage some pride by leveling the series. One of Pakistan’s major concerns has been their inconsistent batting performances. The middle-order has looked shaky, leaving the team with low totals on the board.
The batting concerns revolving around Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan and even Iftikhar Ahmed have left the team grappling with low confidence. As D-day approaches, the spotlight remains on whether Pakistan can salvage some pride or if New Zealand will culminate the series with a perfect victory.
Despite the batting struggles, bowlers like Mohammad Amir and Abbas Afridi have shown promise. The return of pace spearheads Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah could give Pakistan’s bowling attack a much-needed boost.
In the 4th T20I, Pakistan suffered a close defeat at the hands of New Zealand. Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim and Abbas Afridi put in credible performances for Pakistan in the previous match. New Zealand, under the leadership of stand-in captain Michael Bracewell, have surprised many with their clinical performances. They will be brimming with confidence and will be looking to seal the series win in Lahore.
Opener Tim Robinson, and Dean Foxcroft have provided solid starts at the top, while Mark Chapman and James Neesham have chipped in with valuable contributions in the middle order in the series. New Zealand boasts a balanced bowling attack, with William O’Rourke and Ben Sears impressing in the previous match. The experience of Ish Sodhi and the potential return of Jacob Duffy add further depth to their bowling unit.
Expectations are that Pakistan will overcome New Zealand by a close margin and level the T20I series. The visitors will be hoping to maintain their winning ways and clinch the T20I series on Saturday.
The home side might make changes as Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed might return for the series decider. Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed may sit on the sidelines for this high-octane clash.
In the batting department, the side will be relying on Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, captain Babar Azam, wicket-keeper Usman Khan, and all-rounder Shadab Khan to do the bulk of the scoring.