PAK vs NZ: New Zealand Playing 11 for Pakistan, 3rd ODI

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New Zealand takes on Pakistan in the third and final ODI looking for an elusive series win. The Kiwis won the second ODI by 79 runs to come back and level the series. This is an important series for the visitors in terms of their ODI World Cup preparations.

Kane Williamson returns as the Pakistan ODI skipper. Babar Azam will lead Pakistan. The Kiwis last played an ODI series against India in November 2022. They won the series 1-0. They won the first ODI in Auckland by seven wickets. The second and third ODI in Hamilton Christchurch were washed out due to rain.

There are injury concerns heading into this series for Pakistan. Matt Henry is ruled out of the Pakistan and India ODI series with an abdominal strain. Adam Milne also pulled out of the series citing a lack of preparation time.

Pakistan vs New Zealand — Image Credits: Twitter

After a series levelling win, the Kiwis are expected to play the same side in the decider. New Zealand is searching for their maiden ODI series win in Pakistan and have a great opportunity to get that record. Seven batters were dismissed for single-digit scores in the first ODI. The Kiwis can ill afford to repeat the same mistake in the decider.

Doug Bracewell was available as per reports in the second ODI and he is likely to replace Henry Shipley, who made his ODI debut in the series opener. However, he did not get a game in the second game. Given that this is a must-win match for the Kiwis, they will go in with the best possible combination.