WEBDESK: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first in the fourth NZ vs PAK T20 match at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval on Sunday. The decision follows the trend of the series, where the chasing team has won all three previous matches.
With New Zealand leading the five-match series 2-1, Pakistan is determined to level the score. They come into this match with confidence after a dominant nine-wicket victory in the third NZ vs PAK T20 at Eden Park. That match saw opener Hasan Nawaz score an unbeaten 105 off just 45 balls.
New Zealand, looking to bounce back, made two changes to their squad. Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke have been brought in to strengthen their pace attack, replacing Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears. Meanwhile, Pakistan has opted to retain their winning combination from the last game.
Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval has an average first-innings score of 176 since 2020, suggesting a moderately high-scoring contest. However, the match might not be as explosive as the last one in Auckland. Weather conditions are expected to remain stable, ensuring an uninterrupted game.
With both teams aiming for a crucial win, fans can expect an exciting battle in this NZ vs PAK showdown. Will Pakistan level the series, or will New Zealand seal the win? The action unfolds at Bay Oval, promising another thrilling chapter in the NZ vs PAK rivalry.
Playing XI for NZ vs PAK:
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell (capt), Ish Sodhi, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
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