Pakistan aim to keep T20I series alive against New Zealand
What's the story
Pakistan's revamped T20I squad is facing a huge task as they gear up for the third match of their five-game series against New Zealand.
Having been outplayed by a weakened Kiwi team in the first two matches, the new-look Pakistani side is determined to keep the series alive.
The upcoming game will be played at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday.
Performance
Pakistan's batting struggles and bowling challenges
Pakistan's T20I squad, sans Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and the injured Saim Ayub, is still getting used to these changes.
The new opening pair of Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris has failed to deal with the pace and bounce in Christchurch.
Their performance in Dunedin was also dismal due to poor shot selections.
Despite Agha's brilliant 46 runs off 28 balls in the second match, their bowling attack has failed to restrict New Zealand's batting might.
Matchup
New Zealand's dominance and Pakistan's desperate need for victory
New Zealand's openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen have been key to their success thus far.
In the second game, Seifert scored a stunning 26 runs off Afridi in one over.
With favorable conditions predicted for Auckland, Pakistan would hope to win the toss and get these openers out early to test New Zealand's middle order.
Meanwhile, New Zealand bowlers have been consistently good despite dropping three catches in their first match against Pakistan.
Revival
Pakistan's quest to end T20I losing streak
Pakistan would be desperate to recover from a dismal home ICC Champions Trophy campaign and snap their five-match losing streak in T20Is.
The streak started in Zimbabwe last December.
The team's new captain Agha had called for "high-risk" cricket, but the approach failed to deliver in the first T20I when they were bowled out for 91 runs.
Line-up
Team news and potential changes
In terms of team combination, New Zealand rested Kyle Jamieson for the second match, bringing in Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham. They could bring back Jamieson for the third game.
Meanwhile, Pakistan made a change by replacing leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed with fast bowler Haris Rauf in their bowling attack for the second match.
Probable XIs
Probable playing XIs
New Zealand predicted XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (captain), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.
Pakistan predicted XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (captain), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali.
Information
Pitch and weather report
Eden Park is generally a high-scoring ground and batters will want to make things count. As per reports, there is no rain predicted for Friday.
Do you know?
Sodhi on verge of this record
New Zealand spinner Sodhi is set to become the joint second-most capped player for New Zealand in T20Is. Sodhi, who has played 121 matches, is tied with Martin Guptill (121). Tim Southee (126) leads the show.