Fri Mar 21 06:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Faces Up Hill Battle Against New Zealand in Third T20I
**Auckland, New Zealand:** New Zealand holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan, heading into the third match at Eden Park. Pakistan, however, is determined to avoid a series whitewash.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga won the toss and elected to bowl first, making two changes to their playing XI. Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf replaced Jahanadad Khan and Mohammad Ali. New Zealand also made one change, bringing in Kyle Jamieson for Zakari Foulkes.
The Kiwis started aggressively. Mark Chapman anchored the innings with a quick-fire half-century (51 runs off 29 balls), partnering well with Daryl Mitchell. Their 24-run partnership in 39 balls took the score past 80 before the end of the powerplay. Tim Seifert contributed a quick 19 before being dismissed by Haris Rauf. At the time of writing, New Zealand’s score was 82/2 in 8.1 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled initially but began to find their rhythm in the latter half of the powerplay. Shaheen Afridi struck early to remove Finn Allen, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.
The match continues, with Pakistan needing a strong bowling performance and a significant batting effort to keep their hopes of winning the series alive.
First Piper 