In a pivotal clash at the University Oval in Dunedin, New Zealand are set to lock horns with Pakistan in the third T20I of the five-match series on Wednesday. Riding high on confidence from consecutive victories in the first two encounters, the home team aims to maintain their winning streak and secure the series.

New Zealand’s team management is banking on their players to uphold their stellar performances with both bat and ball. The combination that featured in the previous match at Hamilton is likely to be retained, with captain Kane Williamson, explosive opener Finn Allen, in-form Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway expected to shoulder the responsibility of scoring runs.

In the last game, opener Finn Allen emerged as the standout performer, notching up an impressive 74 runs off 41 balls, featuring seven fours and five sixes. Alongside Allen, Kane Williamson contributed 26 runs off 15 balls, and Mitchell Santner added a quick 25 off 13 balls. The home team seeks a repeat of such performances to maintain their dominance.

Despite being 2-0 down in the series, Pakistan enters the contest with hope. Changes are anticipated in their playing XI, with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed likely to replace the expensive Aamer Jamal. In the batting department, the visitors will rely on the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, and veteran Iftikhar Ahmed to revive their campaign.

Babar Azam showcased stellar form in the previous match, scoring 66 runs off 43 balls, supported by a quick-fire 50 from Fakhar Zaman. The visitors aim to build on these individual performances and turn the tide in this must-win encounter.

As the teams gear up for the crucial clash, fans eagerly await an exhilarating contest at the University Oval in Dunedin. Will New Zealand seal the series, or can Pakistan stage a comeback? The answers will unfold on the cricketing stage on Wednesday.