Sat Mar 22 17:22:08 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Fight Back, Level T20 Series Hopes in New Zealand Clash
**Mount Maunganui, New Zealand** – Pakistan have reignited their hopes of winning the five-match T20I series against New Zealand after a stunning victory in the third match. The series, currently 2-1 in New Zealand’s favour, heads to a crucial fourth match at Bay Oval on Sunday at 5:15 pm local time (6:15 pm GMT).
New Zealand dominated the opening two matches, securing a nine-wicket win in Christchurch (Pakistan scoring their lowest ever total in New Zealand – 91) and a five-wicket victory in Dunedin. However, Pakistan’s fortunes dramatically shifted in Auckland with a thrilling win, powered by Hasan Nawaz’s breathtaking unbeaten century (105 off 44 balls), the fastest T20I hundred by a Pakistan batsman. This came after Nawaz’s inclusion in the team, following ducks in his first two international matches, replacing dropped captain Mohammad Rizwan and experienced batter Babar Azam.
The series has seen its share of injury woes, with New Zealand seamer Matt Henry ruled out of the remaining matches due to a shoulder injury. New Zealand will field Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke for the remaining matches.
Despite the absence of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan are expected to field the same team that secured their impressive win in Auckland. The series concludes with a fifth match in Wellington on Wednesday. This will be the 48th T20 meeting between the two sides, with Pakistan holding a slight edge in past encounters (24 wins to New Zealand’s 21).
The T20 series will be followed by a three-match ODI series between the two nations. The match will be broadcast live on TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, and Sport Nation NZ in New Zealand, and Ten Sports and Tapmad in Pakistan.
First Piper 