New Zealand vs Pakistan, 3rd ODI: Highlights from Mount Maunganui

Right then, that is it from this game and the series as well. New Zealand finished on a high and with a 3-0 scoreline over Pakistan. Now, both the teams have a nice little break from international cricket. However, a few players from both sides will join their respective PSL teams that will be starting on 11th April, and you can catch all the action of that tournament as well. We hope that you have enjoyed our coverage throughout this tour. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!

Michael Bracewell, the victorious captain of New Zealand, is up again for a quick chat. He says that they have added new guys to the team, and it has been pleasing to see them perform here. Adds that the series win is a bonus on that, and he is pretty happy. Mentions that as Black Caps, they have a style on how they want to play, and they want to continue with that. Tells that there are so many little things that they have won throughout the series. States that it is pretty same to the 2023 series and the bowlers are fast and aggressive, which is so heart-warming to watch, and Duffy has led them well. Further adds that the credit is to all the players who stood up in different situations, and they have always found a way to get out whenever the situation became tough.

Mohammad Rizwan, the captain for Pakistan, says that they were better than the first two games but still need to improve a lot. Adds that Babar Azam got a fifty and Sufiayan Muqeem also bowled well, and it was a good fight. Credits New Zealand for their performance and says that they were fantastic when they went to Pakistan as well, and the professionalism is superb from them. Says that they need to work on a few things, especially on their batting in these conditions. Tells that they will now put the past behind them and look forward to the PSL, which is like a festival for the fans in Pakistan, and hopefully, they can enjoy that tournament.

Ben Sears is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his 10 wickets in two games. He says he is grateful to have gotten the opportunity and is happy to have performed well. Adds that the experience was great around such talented boys, and it was special to come in as the first change following some great bowling by the rest of the bowlers. Mentions the plan was just to try and build pressure in the middle, and he is just happy to have contributed.

Michael Bracewell is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant half-century. He says that it was an incredible day, and he is happy that his team put in a good performance. Adds that the wicket stood out very well as the rain was here for the last couple of days, but the credit goes to the groundsmen for how they have prepared it. Mentions that they have a limited set of resources and that all the players played incredibly well as per their capabilities. States that it wasn’t an easy surface to bat on, and they were pretty happy with that score at the halfway point of the inning. Tells that he is pretty happy with the all-around effort of the team.

Presentation Time...

New Zealand will be pleased with their bowling performance. While they didn’t strike early with the new ball, they bounced back impressively during the middle overs. The pacers were right on the money once again, with Ben Sears leading the charge brilliantly and delivering key breakthroughs. The decision to bring on Daryl Mitchell proved spot-on, as he claimed the crucial wicket of Babar Azam. Michael Bracewell and Muhammad Abbas also chipped in with a wicket each. Fittingly, it was Sears who sealed the deal, finishing with yet another outstanding five-wicket haul - becoming the first New Zealander to claim back-to-back fifers in ODIs.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand put up a strong total in this rain-shortened encounter. Michael Bracewell led by example with a commanding half-century, while Rhys Mariu set the platform early on with his maiden ODI fifty. The middle order chipped in with handy contributions to keep the scoreboard ticking. For Pakistan, Akif Javed stood out with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Naseem Shah claimed a couple, and both Faheem Ashraf and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up one apiece. Although it was a better bowling effort compared to the first two games, they still leaked a few too many runs at the death.

Despite losing Imam early to injury, Pakistan made a steady start, thanks to Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam. However, Shafique couldn’t capitalise on his start, and Babar’s dismissal soon after reaching his half-century proved to be the turning point. While the visitors looked comfortable with Babar at the crease, his departure triggered a collapse. Runs dried up, and wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Mohammad Rizwan and Tayyab Tahir offered brief resistance with a couple of handy knocks, but it was never going to be enough to chase down the target without support from the others.

NEW ZEALAND COMPLETE SERIES WHITEWASH OVER PAKISTAN! A dominant all-round performance once again from the hosts, who have outclassed Pakistan throughout the series - and that too without several key players in their ranks. For the Men in Green, it's been a tour full of missed opportunities. They had their moments but failed to build on them, managing to win just one T20I across a tour that included five T20Is and three ODIs. A disappointing return and plenty to reflect on for the visitors.

39.6: Ben Sears to Sufiyan Muqeem, OUT! CAUGHT! Game, set and match! Ben Sears finishes with a five-fer and New Zealand win the game by 43 runs to clean sweep the ODI series 3-0! Sears smartly takes pace off this time and follows the batter making room, on a length, Sufiyan Muqeem is cramped up a bit and whips it off the upper half of the bat in an attempt to get it over the infield on the off side, but ends up hitting it straight to mid off. Muhammad Abbas moves to his left and takes a fine catch. 

39.5: Ben Sears to Sufiyan Muqeem, Short of a length, on off, Sufiyan Muqeem looks to hoick across but misses.

39.4: Ben Sears to Sufiyan Muqeem, Short again, on leg, Sufiyan Muqeem looks to pull and gets a top edge that falls short of the keeper.

39.3: Ben Sears to Akif Javed, In the air, but falls safe. Seems like Tim Seifert lost it in the night sky. Back of a length, on middle, Akif Javed pulls it off the outer half of the bat to the left of deep square leg. Tim makes all the ground but the ball just drops down to his left. The batters take one.

39.2: Ben Sears to Akif Javed, Good length, angling in, on leg, Akif Javed has a wild swing but misses. The ball zips past the leg stump.

39.1: Ben Sears to Sufiyan Muqeem, Slower bouncer, on middle and leg, Sufiyan Muqeem pulls it to fine leg for a single.

38.6: Jacob Duffy to Sufiyan Muqeem, Fuller than a length, on middle, Sufiyan Muqeem makes room and drags it across to mid-wicket for one.

38.5: Jacob Duffy to Sufiyan Muqeem, Goes short and on off, Sufiyan Muqeem looks to ramp but misses.

Sufiyan Muqeem is the last man in. 

38.4: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, OUT! TAKEN! That should be the game for New Zealand! The break in play brings New Zealand the last big fish in Tayyab Tahir. Jacob Duffy bangs the surface short of a length and outside off, Tayyab Tahir gets on top of his toes and slices it straight to deep point. Tim Seifert takes a few steps to his left and gobbles up a simple catch around his chest height. 

Oh... No! What has happened? The lights have gone all over the ground. Duffy was about to bowl as he has taken his follow-through, and as soon as he released the ball, the lights were gone all of a sudden. Though he has delivered the ball, but the batter, Tayyab Tahir, has backed away. Now, it is fine to continue.

38.3: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, Full, on off, Tayyab Tahir drills his drive but stright to cover. 

38.2: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, FOUR! Top shot. Tayyab Tahir is keeping the game alive for Pakistan! Short of a good length and well outside off, Tayyab Tahir has to reach for it, and he does. Cuts it over point for a boundary. 

Halt. Tayyab Tahir has asked something to the leg umpire, and the play is interrupted for now. Probably, there aren't enough fielders in the 30-yard circle. Now, we are good to continue.

38.1: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, Keeps it well outside off, on a good length, Tayyab Tahir tries to reach for it but misses on making any connection. 

It is a double change here as Jacob Duffy (6-0-35-1) comes back into the attack now.

37.6: Ben Sears to Tayyab Tahir, Outside off, on a length, Tahir cuts it to point for a single.

37.5: Ben Sears to Akif Javed, On the pads, on a length, Akif Javed tries to work it fine but misses. The ball clips his pads and rolls behind to the leg side and the batters take a leg bye.

37.4: Ben Sears to Akif Javed, No Hat trick but what a lovely ball! On a hard length, on middle and nipping back in sharply to beat the inside edge and wrap Akif high on the waist.

Akif Javed is the new batter in for Pakistan.

37.3: Ben Sears to Mohammad Wasim, OUT! CAUGHT! Bang, Bang! One brings two in a flash, and Ben Sears is on a Hat Trick! Hits the surface hard, on a back of a length, on middle and off and gets the ball to shoot up at good pace. Mohammad Wasim is taken aback and sticks his bat in front to make a block. The ball takes the splice and lobs straight to Will O'Rourke at short third, who takes a simple catch. 

Mohammad Wasim walks in next.

37.2: Ben Sears to Naseem Shah, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A fine use of a review from New Zealand! On a length, down leg, Naseem Shah looks to flick it but misses. The ball goes off his gloves to the left of the keeper, and Mitchell Hay moves to that side and takes a good catch low to his left. The keeper is up in celebration for a caught behind, but the umpire hasn't moved. New Zealand have decided to review it. The UltraEdge shows a spike as the ball passes the glove, and the third umpire also checks if the keeper has collected it cleanly, and he has. 

37.2: Ben Sears to Naseem Shah, WIDE! Short of a length again, angling into the batter, down leg, Naseem Shah hops inside the line and looks to help it on its way but misses.

37.1: Ben Sears to Tayyab Tahir, Short of a length, over middle, Tahir angles it to short third for a single.

Ben Sears (7-0-29-2) comes back into the attack.

36.6: Will O'Rourke to Tayyab Tahir, Full and outside off, Tayyab Tahir cuts it to deep point for a single. A very good over for Pakistan. 14 runs come off it.

36.5: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, Almost a yoker, outside off, Naseem Shah digs it out with an angled bat face and almost manages to squeeze it past backward point. One run taken.

36.4: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, FOUR! Thumped! On a length, around off with good pace, Naseem Shah swats it over mid off to his left for a boundary.

36.3: Will O'Rourke to Tayyab Tahir, On a length, on off, Tahir steers it to backward point for a single. 

36.2: Will O'Rourke to Tayyab Tahir, SIX! BANG! Short and on middle, Tayyab Tahir pulls it over deep square leg for a biggie. 

36.1: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, A bix mixup but luckily no harm done. Short of a length, outside off, Naseem Shah has a swing and gets an inside edge that goes to the left of the keeper, Mitchell Hay. Tayyab Tahir sets himself off for the run and almost reaches Naseem at the batting end. The throw isn't too great, and the bowler wasn't backing up, which allows Naseem Shah to get through to the other end.

35.6: Daryl Mitchell to Naseem Shah, Back of a length, on off, Naseem Shah dabs it to backward point for a single.9 runs come off this over. Pakistan need 69 more runs off 36 balls.

35.5: Daryl Mitchell to Naseem Shah, Short one, around off, with pace taken off, Naseem Shah throws everything at it but gets an under edge that drops down on the pitch, going nowhere. 

35.4: Daryl Mitchell to Tayyab Tahir, Slower one, full and on middle, Tayyab Tahir works it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

35.3: Daryl Mitchell to Naseem Shah, Goes into the surface and on a back of a length, over middle, Naseem Shah steers it to backward point for one.

35.2: Daryl Mitchell to Tayyab Tahir, Short and on middle, Tayyab Tahir pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

35.2: Daryl Mitchell to Tayyab Tahir, WIDE! Daryl Mitchell takes pace off and drops it short but down leg.

35.1: Daryl Mitchell to Tayyab Tahir, FOUR! Superb shot! Daryl Mitchell goes short and over off, Tayyab Tahir makes some room and ramps it through the gap between short third and backward point. 

34.6: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, Short and outside off, Naseem Shah swats it over the bowler's head for a brace.

34.5: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, Hits the length hard, on off, gets some extra bounce, shaping away, Naseem Shah has a poke but misses.

34.4: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, SIX! He got hold of that one! Touch fuller, on middle, anglnig in a bit. Naseem Shah clears his front leg away and smacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. He knew the moment he hit that and did not bother looking at it.

34.3: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, A bouncer now, on middle, Naseem Shah tries to ramp it away but misses.

34.2: Will O'Rourke to Naseem Shah, Short of a length and on middle, Naseem Shah guides it to point.

34.1: Will O'Rourke to Tayyab Tahir, Slower one, on a length and on off, Tayyab Tahir looks to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. A quick single is taken.

End of Powerplay 2! Will O'Rourke (7-0-37-0) comes back into the attack.

33.6: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Flatter, full and on middle, Tayyab Tahir knocks it towards mid on for one.

33.5: Michael Bracewell to Naseem Shah, Another short delivery, on leg, Naseem Shah flicks it to deep square leg for a run.

Naseem Shah walks in at number 8 for Pakistan.

33.4: Michael Bracewell to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! TAKEN! Michael Bracewell gets a wicket now! He slows it up, short and on off, and turns away. Faheem Ashraf backs away to cut it but only manages to get a top edge. Tim Seifert at backward point runs to his right and dives to take a brilliant catch. Pakistan are 176/6, still needing 89 runs in 50 balls!

33.3: Michael Bracewell to Faheem Ashraf, Tossed up, full and on middle, Faheem Ashraf steers it to point.

33.2: Michael Bracewell to Faheem Ashraf, Flighted, full and on off, grips and turns away, Faheem Ashraf plays all over it.

33.1: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Short again, on leg, Tayyab Tahir nudges it to short fine for a single.

33.1: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Short but down the leg side, Tayyab Tahir leaves it alone. Wided.

32.6: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, Hard length and on off, Tayyab Tahir runs it down to third man for one.

32.5: Jacob Duffy to Faheem Ashraf, Buzzers! Fuller and on off, Faheem Ashraf knocks it towards mid off for a single. Michael Bracewell picks up the and hits the stumps at the bowler's end, but Ashraf is in. The ball deflects away in the deep and allows a couple of extra runs.

32.5: Jacob Duffy to Faheem Ashraf, A bouncer, but too high for the batter, Faheem Ashraf leaves it alone. Wided.

Faheem Ashraf walks in at number 7 for Pakistan.

32.4: Jacob Duffy to Mohammad Rizwan, OUT! TAKEN! That's the wicket New Zealand wanted! A massive blow for Pakistan, and that is probably the last nail in the coffin for them. Jacob Duffy bowls a slower one, full and just around off. Mohammad Rizwan goes down and throws everything at it to slog it away. However, he loses balance completely and only manages to get a top edge. Mitchell Hay, the keeper, calls for it, moves forward to settle under it and pouches it safely. Pakistan lose half their side now!

32.3: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, On a length and on middle, Tayyab Tahir pats it in front of point for a single.

32.2: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, Oh..that's fiery! Jacob Duffy bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, takes off and nips back in, Tayyab Tahir just about sways away from it.

32.1: Jacob Duffy to Mohammad Rizwan, Back of a length and on for, Mohammad Rizwan drags it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

31.6: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Drags his length back, on middle, turns a long way into the leg side, Tayyab Tahir nudges it to short fine. Pakistan need 98 runs in the last ten overs!

31.5: Michael Bracewell to Mohammad Rizwan, Quicker, full and on middle, turns in, Mohammad Rizwan tries to paddle it away but gets a glove on it. It deflects off the keeper's gloves towards square leg. They cross.

31.4: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Flatter, full and on middle, Tayyab Tahir works it to square leg for one.

31.3: Michael Bracewell to Mohammad Rizwan, Short again, on off, Mohammad Rizwan backs away and punches it through covers for another run.

31.2: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Floated, short and on off, Tayyab Tahir uses his feet and steers it to point for a run.

31.1: Michael Bracewell to Mohammad Rizwan, Short and on leg, Mohammad Rizwan clips it towards square leg for a single.

30.6: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, Bangs this hard into the pitch, outside off, Tayyab Tahir tries to upper cut it but misses. That was there to be put away.

30.5: Jacob Duffy to Mohammad Rizwan, Hard length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan guides it through point for a run.

30.4: Jacob Duffy to Mohammad Rizwan, SIX! That is outta here! Pitched up and on middle, angling in. Mohammad Rizwan picks it up nicely and uses his strong wrists to whip it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

30.3: Jacob Duffy to Mohammad Rizwan, Fuller and around off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it firmly towards sweeper covers for a brace.

30.2: Jacob Duffy to Mohammad Rizwan, A slower one, short of a length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to cut but misses.

30.1: Jacob Duffy to Tayyab Tahir, Back of a length and on off, Tayyab Tahir punches it through covers for a single.

Jacob Duffy (4-0-18-0) comes back into the attack.

29.6: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Continues to bowl short, on middle this time, Tayyab Tahir punches it to long on for one more.

29.5: Michael Bracewell to Mohammad Rizwan, Another short delivery, angling into leg, Mohammad Rizwan pats it to mid-wikcet for one.

29.4: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Quicker, short once more, on middle, Tayyab Tahir works it through square leg for a run.

29.3: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Drags his length back, on off, Tayyab Tahir dabs it to short third.

29.2: Michael Bracewell to Mohammad Rizwan, Short again, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan stays back and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.

29.1: Michael Bracewell to Tayyab Tahir, Floated, short and on middle, Tayyab Tahir nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

28.6: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! Much-needed one for Pakistan! Ben Sears bangs this into the pitch, on middle, does not bounce much. Mohammad Rizwan gets on top of it and heaves it to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

28.5: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, Five dots in a row! Short of a length and on off, Mohammad Rizwan dabs it to point.

28.4: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, Fuller and on off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it straight where Ben Sears gets a hand to it on his follow-through.

28.3: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, Back of a length and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan goes down to hook it away but misses.

28.2: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, Pitched up and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan drills it down the ground where it hits the stumps a the other end and goes nowhere.

28.1: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, Full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to mid-wicket.

27.6: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Full and around off, Rizwan nudges it to mid on and runs off a quick single.

27.6: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, WIDE! An off-cutter, on a length but down the leg side, Rizwan misses his flick shot. Called a wide.

27.5: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Excellent running between the wickets! Hard length, with pace taken off, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and steals two runs.

27.4: Daryl Mitchell to Tayyab Tahir, Full and on the pads, Tahir flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

27.3: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Slightly fuller and around middle, Rizwan nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

27.2: Daryl Mitchell to Tayyab Tahir, Back of a length, around off, Tayyab Tahir pats it down towards backward point for a single.

27.1: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, On a good length, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan swipes it to deep square leg for a single.

26.6: Ben Sears to Tayyab Tahir, Dragged length, around off, Tayyab Tahir defends it to cover.

26.5: Ben Sears to Tayyab Tahir, Nagging length, around middle, Tayyab Tahir drops it down to mid on. 

Tayyab Tahir is the next man in.

26.4: Ben Sears to Salman Agha, OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan lose their fourth, and they are in trouble here! Ben bowls it on a hard length and around middle and leg. Salman Agha moves across and looks to pick it up. He flicks it but gets a top edge instead that goes to deep fine leg. Jacob Duffy goes back a bit and takes it just inside the ropes. Pakistan are 135/4.

26.3: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, Full and on middle, Rizwan flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

26.2: Ben Sears to Salman Agha, Nearly a chopped on! On a hard length, around off, Salman Agha looks to cut it but gets an underedge that goes past the off stump towards square leg for a single.

26.2: Ben Sears to Salman Agha, FIVE WIDES! On a good length, but down the leg side, Salman Agha shuffles across and looks to tickle it but misses. The keeper dives in to his left but gets his fingertips on it as the ball runs away to the boundary.

26.1: Ben Sears to Mohammad Rizwan, Good length, around off, Rizwan taps it towards cover and steals a single. Good running between the wickets by both batters!

Drinks! This game is nicely poised at the moment. Pakistan will hope that this pair at the crease take the game deep and at least one of them plays till the end. If that happens, they will chase this total down. However, New Zealand boaties know the conditions well and will look to use it to strike crucial blows after this break and keep the pressure on the batting side. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

25.6: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Short and wide outside off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it to deep point for a single.

25.5: Daryl Mitchell to Salman Agha, Short of a length, around off, Salman Agha looks to pull it but gets an outside edge that hits his shoulder and goes towards backward point for a single.

25.5: Daryl Mitchell to Salman Agha, WIDE! A bouncer, angling into the body of the batter, Salman Agha ducks under it. Called a wide.

25.4: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Back of a length, around off, Rizwan cuts it to deep point for a single.

25.3: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! STREAKY! On a good length, around middle, with pace taken off, Mohammad Rizwan goes on his knee and looks to sweep it. Gets a top edge that flies over the keeper for a boundary.

25.2: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Full and on the pads, Rizwan flicks it to mid on. He wants to have a single but is sent back by his partner.

25.1: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Hard length, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan swipes it in the gap towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

24.6: Muhammad Abbas to Salman Agha, A bumper, around midde, Salman Agha ducks under it. 

24.5: Muhammad Abbas to Salman Agha, Short of a length, around off, Salman Agha leaves it alone.

24.4: Muhammad Abbas to Salman Agha, FOUR! ANOTHER TOP SHOT! Full again and outside off, Salman Agha comes forward and presents the full face of the bat. He drives it to the left of mid off for a boundary.

24.3: Muhammad Abbas to Salman Agha, A bouncer, around middle, Salman Agha ducks under it.

24.2: Muhammad Abbas to Salman Agha, BEATEN! Dragged length and outside off, Salman Agha looks to cut it but misses.

24.1: Muhammad Abbas to Salman Agha, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Abbas lands it full and touch outside off, Salman Agha leans on and drives it to the left of the bowler for a boundary. TOO STRAIGHT DOWN THE GROUND!

23.6: Daryl Mitchell to Salman Agha, Full again and around off, Salman Agha drives it and beats the diving cover fielder to his right for a single.

23.5: Daryl Mitchell to Salman Agha, Full and around middle, Salman tucks it to mid-wicket.

23.4: Daryl Mitchell to Babar Azam, OUT! CAUGHT! Daryl Mitchell has given New Zealand the biggest wicket as Babar Azam is gone after making a fifty! He bowls it on a back of a length and around off, on the left shoulder of the batter. Babar Azam goes back and pulls it. He makes a good connection, but it goes straight to deep mid-wicket where Tim Seifert takes a simple catch. Salman Agha is the next batter in for Pakistan.

23.3: Daryl Mitchell to Babar Azam, Back of a length, around middle, Babar drops it down into the pitch for no run.

23.2: Daryl Mitchell to Mohammad Rizwan, Full and outside off, Rizwan drives it to deep cover for a single.

23.1: Daryl Mitchell to Babar Azam, Touch fuller and around middle, Babar Azam comes forward and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single. He completes his fifty and this is a fine knock from a class player but he knows that his job isn't done yet as it is a big chase and he will have to stay till the end.

22.6: Will O'Rourke to Mohammad Rizwan, Short of a length, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan hops up and drops it down to mid-wicket. He wants to have a quick single but is sent back by his partner.

22.5: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, On a length, around off, Babar taps it down towards cover and picks up a quick single.

22.4: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, FOUR! PURE TIMING! Back of a length, around middle, Babar Azam goes back and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. He moves to 48 now.

22.3: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Hard length, around off, Babar Azam pats it down to backward point.

22.2: Will O'Rourke to Mohammad Rizwan, Short of a length, angling into the body of the batter, Mohammad Rizwan goes back and pulls it to deep fine leg for a single.

22.1: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, On a good length, outside off, Babar Azam cuts it to deep point for a single. 100 comes up for Pakistan.

21.6: Muhammad Abbas to Babar Azam, On a length, around leg, Babar makes room and runs it down to third man for a single.

21.5: Muhammad Abbas to Babar Azam, On a good length, around middle, Babar Azam drives it to extra cover and wants to have a quick single but the fielder is quick there, who hits the direct hit at the non-striker's end but Rizwan was in.

21.4: Muhammad Abbas to Mohammad Rizwan, Hard length, around off, Rizwan runs it down to deep third for a single to get off the mark.

Mohammad Rizwan comes out to the middle now.

21.3: Muhammad Abbas to Usman Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! An excellent catch from the skipper of New Zealand that has ended the inning of Usman Khan for 12(17) and Pakistan are 97/2. Abbas provides a breakthrough as he bowls it on short of a length from over the wicket, around middle, Usman Khan clears out his front leg and looks to pull it to the leg side. The ball gets big on him, and he only manages to get a top edge towards square leg. Michael Bracewell runs in to his right from mid-wicket a couple of yards and puts in a full stretched dive to catch it just inches above the ground. A Superb Catch!

21.2: Muhammad Abbas to Babar Azam, Back of a length, around leg, Babar Azam pulls it down to deep backward square leg for one.

21.1: Muhammad Abbas to Usman Khan, Touch full and around off, Usman Khan drives it to wide mid off for a quick single.

20.6: Will O'Rourke to Usman Khan, Angles it into the right-hander, on a back of a length, Usman Khan clips it to fine leg for a single. 

20.5: Will O'Rourke to Usman Khan, A bouncer, over off, Usman Khan sways away and lets it pass.

20.4: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam punches it to cover for one.

20.3: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, FOUR! A boundary from Babar Azam after a long time. That should break some shackles. Short of a length, it doesn't rise as much as Will O'Rourke would have hoped for. Babar Azam stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 

20.2: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Full and on middle, Babar Azam drops it down in front of mid-wicket.

20.1: Will O'Rourke to Usman Khan, Short and on middle and leg, Usman Khan swivels back and pulls it to fine leg for one.

19.6: Muhammad Abbas to Babar Azam, Nice and straight, on a length, Babar Azam shows the full face of the bat and blocks. Good start from Abbas. Just the 4 runs off his first over.

19.5: Muhammad Abbas to Usman Khan, Fuller in length, on middle and leg, Usman Khan clips it to fine leg for a single.

19.4: Muhammad Abbas to Usman Khan, Short one, over middle, Usman Khan crouches low and looks to pull but misses. Absolutely no control on that shot.

19.3: Muhammad Abbas to Babar Azam, Fuller and on middle and leg, Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

19.2: Muhammad Abbas to Babar Azam, Goes full and on off, Babar Azam with very soft hands taps it down the deck.

19.1: Muhammad Abbas to Babar Azam, Errs in line first up and serves it on the pads, on a length, Babar Azam tickles it to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Muhammad Abbas comes into the attack now.

18.6: Will O'Rourke to Usman Khan, FOUR! Much-needed boundary for Pakistan! Will O'Rourke goes full for once again, and on off, Usman Khan clears his front leg out and crunches it through covers for a boundary.

18.5: Will O'Rourke to Usman Khan, Short and on off, Usman Khan whips it aerially over point. The ball plugs in the outfield near the ropes and the batters take two runs. 

18.4: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Very similar line and length to the previous one, but Babar angles the bat face and steers it to deep third for one.

18.3: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Bangs it on a back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam has a fiddle at it and gets beaten on the outside edge. 

18.2: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Good length, on off, Babar Azam stabs it down the deck.

18.1: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Full, on middle, Babar Azam drives it to mid on.

Will O'Rourke (4-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.

17.6: Michael Bracewell to Usman Khan, A bit short and on off, Usman Khan punches it to the left of mid-wicket.

17.5: Michael Bracewell to Usman Khan, Full, on middle, Usman Khan taps it to mid-wicket.

17.5: Michael Bracewell to Usman Khan, WIDE! Slips it full and down leg. Usman Khan tries to scoop it behind but doesn't connect. 

17.4: Michael Bracewell to Usman Khan, Short and turning into middle and leg, Usman Khan tucks it to mid-wicket. 

17.3: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Full, on middle and leg, Babar Azam works it to deep mid-wicket for one.

17.2: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Gives the ball some air and keeps it full, on off, Babar Azam lunges to block.

17.1: Michael Bracewell to Usman Khan, Going on with the arm, on the pads, Usman Khan tucks it to the leg side and rotates the strike over.

16.6: Ben Sears to Usman Khan, Gets off the mark! Short and outside off, Usman Khan dabs it to deep backward point for one. End of a tight over from Ben Sears!

16.5: Ben Sears to Usman Khan, Lovely bowling! Short one over middle, Usman Khan looks to pull but is way too early and misses out. 

16.4: Ben Sears to Usman Khan, Back of a length, on off, Usman Khan chops it to cover off the inner half of the bat.

16.3: Ben Sears to Usman Khan, That's a hostile welcome into the crease for the concussion substitute! A sharp bouncer directed at the left shoulder, Usman Khan sways away from the line.

The concussion substitute, Usman Khan, comes out to bat now.

16.2: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Sears finally provides New Zealand with the breakthrough they were after for so long. He bangs it into the surface and angles it into the batter, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique is hurried a bit because of the sheer pace, but he still tries to pull. Hits it straight down the throat of Jacob Duffy at fine leg, who takes a nice reverse cup catch. 

16.1: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Short one, on middle, Babar Azam times his pull beautifully but straight to deep square leg for a single.

15.6: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, A tad bit short and on the pads, Abdullah Shafique clips it through mid-wicket for a brace. 

15.5: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Drifting into middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to mid-wicket. 

15.4: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Dealing in singles and quite easily at the moment! Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam works it to long on and rotates the strike over.

15.3: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique steps down the track and eases it to long on for a run.

15.2: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam drives it to long on for a single.

15.1: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Slanting on leg, Abdullah Shafique helps it on its way with a sweep to fine leg for one.

14.6: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Lands it on a back of a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique knocks it to the right of backward point and takes a run.

14.5: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Length, on off, Abdullah Shafique taps it to backward point.

14.4: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Width offered outside off, fuller in length, Babar Azam reaches for it and cuts it to deep backward point for one.

14.3: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Angles it into the pads, on a length, Abdullah Shafique clips it to square leg and picks up a single.

14.2: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Full again, just around off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to cover.

14.1: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Full and on off, Babar Azam taps it to the off side and takes a single.

13.6: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Slows it up, full and on off, turns in. Babar Azam uses his feet to play at it but gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls towards cover-point. They cross.

13.5: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Flighted, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique swipes it through square leg for one.

13.4: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Short and on middle, Babar Azam punches it to long on for a single.

13.3: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Flatter, full and on middle, turns in a bit, Babar Azam goes down to sweep but misses. It was not far away from the stumps.

13.2: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Floated, full and on middle, Babar Azam uses his feet and clips it to short mid-wicket.

13.1: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Tossed up, full and on leg, Babar Azam tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Drinks! Pakistan are off to a solid start, and this partnership is shaping up beautifully, just what they needed in pursuit of this challenging total. Both batters look well-set, showing composure as they build a strong foundation. So far, the pitch hasn’t shown any demons, and Pakistan will be eager to capitalize, taking the game deep while keeping wickets in hand. New Zealand, on the other hand, have been disciplined with the ball but haven’t found the breakthroughs they were looking for. To shift the momentum, they’ll need to tighten the screws with dot balls and build some real pressure. A crucial middle phase is on the cards.

12.6: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, On a length and on off, Babar Azam steers it to third man for one.

12.5: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Close! Hits the length hard, on middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to play but gets a bottom edge just past the stumps towards short fine. They cross.

12.4: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Bangs this into the pitch, on off, Babar Azam punches it through covers for a run.

12.3: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Hard length and around off, Abdullah Shafique guides it to third man for a single.

12.2: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique dabs it to point.

12.1: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Short of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique stabs it towards covers.

11.6: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Short and on leg, Abdullah Shafique nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

11.5: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, A bit quicker, full and on off, Babar Azam taps it towards covers for one.

11.4: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Flighted, full and on middle, turns in. Babar Azam sets out to fend but misses and gets hit on the pads. Michael Bracewell thinks about the review but does not take it.

11.3: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, FOUR! Streaky! Flatter, short and on middle, Babar Azam stays back to cut but gets an outside edge to the third man fence for a boundary.

11.2: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, SIX! Excellent use of the feet! Floated, full and around middle. Babar Azam dances down the track to get to the pitch of it and tonls it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

11.1: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Tossed up, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique eases it towards long on for a single.

10.6: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Good length and on off, Babar Azam works it off the inner half of the bat to mid on. 

10.5: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Fuller and around off, Babar Azam drives it firmly through covers for a brace.

10.4: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Uppish but safe! Short of a length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to pull but mistimes it just over mid-wikcet for a run.

10.3: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Full and on the pads, Babar Azam clips it through square leg for a single.

10.2: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, On a length and on off, Babar Azam blocks it to the off side.

10.2: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Pitched up and angling into the leg side, Babar Azam misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads to the keeper. However, the umpire calls it a wide.

10.1: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Fuller one and around off, Babar Azam looks to drive but gets it from the bottom edge back towards the bowler.

9.6: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Slows it up, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique turns it to the leg side.

9.5: Michael Bracewell to Abdullah Shafique, Quicker, full and on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it out.

9.4: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Looped up, full and on middle, Babar Azam uses his feet and drills it to long on for a single.

9.3: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Floated, full and on middle, Babar Azam pushes it down the pitch.

9.2: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Flatter, short and on middle, Babar Azam moves back and pats it to short mid-wicket.

9.1: Michael Bracewell to Babar Azam, Tossed up, full and on middle, Babar Azam tucks it to short mid-wicket.

End of Powerply 1. New Zealand are allowed up to 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 34th over. Michael Bracewell comes into the attack now.

8.6: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, On a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique pats it to short covers.

8.5: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Fuller one and on off, Abdullah Shafique knocks it towards mid on.

8.4: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Hits the length hard and on off, Abdullah Shafique looks to punch it away but gets a bottom edge onto his pads.

8.3: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, BEATEN! Good-length delivery, on off, nips back in sharply, Abdullah Shafique looks to play at it but gets beaten on the inside edge.

8.2: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it out as the ball bounces off the pitch and hits his bat again but goes nowhere.

8.2: Ben Sears to Abdullah Shafique, Short of a length but way outside off, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone. Wided.

8.1: Ben Sears to Babar Azam, Fuller and on off, Babar Azam drives it to mid off for a single.

News from the Pakistan Dugout - Imam-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the game due to a concussion and Usman Khan steps in as his substitute. Also, Ben Sears comes into the attack as the first bowling change. 

7.6: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique stays back and blocks it out.

7.5: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Swing and a miss! Jacob Duffy bangs this one into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce. Abdullah Shafique backs away and slashes at it but misses.

7.4: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Short of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique dabs it to point.

7.3: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! Lovely shot! Jacob Duffy goes a bit too full, on middle, angling in, Abdullah Shafique presents the full face of the bat and plays the on-drive to perfection towards the long on fence for a boundary.

7.2: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Touch fuller and on off, Abdullah Shafique strides out and blocks it out towards point.

7.1: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Hard length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique pats it to mid-wicket.

6.6: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Goes fuller and on the pads, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but is not given by the umpire.

6.6: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side on a full length, Abdullah Shafique swings at it but misses. The keeper Mitchell Hay does well to make a dive to his left to collect the ball to save a couple of runs for his side. Still, a wide is called.

6.5: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Dragged length, around off, Abdullah Shafique defends it to cover.

6.4: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, BEAUTY! Hard length and around off, nips away for a bit, Abdullah Shafique gets squared up in his defence and gets beaten on the outside edge.

6.4: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, WIDE! Hits the deck hard with a short-of-a-length ball, but down the leg side, Abdullah Shafique looks to pull it but misses. Called a wide.

6.3: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Nagging length, around off, Abdullah Shafique drops it down to cover.

6.2: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! CHIPPED! Touch full and on the pads, angling in, Abdullah Shafique picks it up and flicks it aerially over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.

6.1: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Back of a length, around off, Abdullah Shafique pats it down to cover.

5.6: Jacob Duffy to Babar Azam, On a good length but on the pads, Babar Azam flicks it past the mid on fielder, who gives it a chase and cuts it off for a couple of runs.

5.5: Jacob Duffy to Babar Azam, Hard length and around off, Babar drops it down to cover.

5.4: Jacob Duffy to Babar Azam, FOUR! PUNISHED! Back of a length and around leg, Babar Azam stands tall and whips it to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

5.3: Jacob Duffy to Babar Azam, Full and around off, Babar Azam drives it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through.

5.2: Jacob Duffy to Babar Azam, Nagging length, around off, jags back in sharply, Babar Azam gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the back pad after getting deflected off the gloves.

5.1: Jacob Duffy to Babar Azam, Full and around middle, Babar Azam flicks it to mid on.

4.6: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Dragged length, just outside off, Abdullah Shafique pats it down to backward point.

4.5: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, On a length and wide outside off, just over the tramline, Abdullah Shafique doesn't offer any shot at it. He looks at the umpire for a wide call but the umpire is convinced that it is a legal ball.

4.4: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Nagging length and outside off, with pace taken off, Abdullah Shafique chops it out to cover off the back foot.

4.3: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Back of a length, around off, with an extra bounce, Abdullah Shafique gets squared up as he looks to defend it but gets a thick outside edge towards cover point.

4.2: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Hard length and outside off, Babar Azam throws his hands at it and looks to cut but gets it through the outer half of the bat to deep third man aerially for a single.

4.2: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, slightly fuller and comes back in, Babar Azam leaves it. Called a wide.

4.1: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, On a good length and outside off, Babar Azam leaves it alone.

3.6: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Touch full from Duffy, around off, Abdullah Shafique comes forward and drives it to the left of the bowler aerially. Duffy tries to take a catch by extending his left arm but he fails to do so and the ball goes to the boundary. 

3.5: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Hard length, around off, nips back in sharply, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the box.

3.4: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, A bumper, angling into the body of the batter, Abdullah Shafique ducks under it.

3.3: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Nagging length and around off and middle, Abdullah nudges it to mid-wicket.

3.2: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Dragged length and outside off, Abdullah Shafique looks to drive it on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.

3.1: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Nice and full, but on the pads, touch straight from Duffy, Abdullah Shafique leans on and flicks it in the gap towards mid-wicket. The fielder gives it a chase and cuts it off to restrict the batters for a couple of runs.

2.6: Will O'Rourke to Babar Azam, Short and wide of outside off, Babar looks to cut it but gets it through the bottom part of the bat to cover.

2.5: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Good Effort! Short of a length and wide outside off, Abdullah Shafique hops up and cuts it off late towards deep third man. Ben Sears runs in to his right and puts in a dive to save one run. Three runs taken

2.5: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, WIDE! Slightly fuller but down the leg side, Abdullah Shafique misses his flick shot and the keeper collects it to his left with a good dive.

2.4: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Good carry to the keeper! Back of a length and well outside off, Abdullah Shafique looks to play it at first but withdraws his shot in the end.

Babar Azam walks out to bat at number 3.

Halt! A very bizarre incident on the field! While taking the run, the fielder's throw got inside the helmet of Imam-ul-Haq and hit his jaw. The physio is in to check on him, but he looks in some discomfort here. He looks zoned out, and once he tried to stand up, he lost his balance and fell. The umpires have called in for the stretcher, and this is not a good sign. However, the positive thing is he got up to get in the mini ambulance, and we hope that it is nothing serious.

2.3: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, A tight single! Dragged length and around off, Imam-ul-Haq taps it down towards cover and runs off for a quick single. The fielder picks it up and makes a throw to the non-striker's end, but it has hit Imam on his jaw under the grill of the helmet, and he looks in pain.

2.2: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, BEATEN! A bit fuller and just outside off, nips back in after pitching, Imam-ul-Haq goes for an expansive drive but gets beaten on the inside edge.

2.1: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, Touch full but wide outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.

1.6: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Nagging length, around off, Abdullah Shafique drops it down to cover.

1.5: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, JAFFA! On a good length and around off, angling in at first but it seams away after pitching a bit. Abdullah Shafique comes forward to defend it but gets squared up. He gets beaten on the outside edge in the end.

1.4: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Hard length and around leg, Abdullah Shafique nudges it wide of deep fine leg and picks up a couple of runs.

1.3: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Much fuller and around off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to mid on.

1.2: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Slightly fuller but on the pads, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to mid-wicket.

1.1: Jacob Duffy to Abdullah Shafique, Begins with a good-length ball, outside off, shaping away, Abdullah Shafique shoulders his arms on it.

Jacob Duffy to share the attack.

0.6: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, Short of a length, around off. Imam-ul-Haq drops it down towards cover and wants to have a quick single but is sent back by his partner through halfway. 

0.5: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, Back of a length and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it.

0.4: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, On a good length, on the fourth stump, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders his arms on it.

0.3: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, Nagging length, in the channel outside off, Imam-ul-Haq watches it carefully and decides to not offer any shot at it.

0.3: Will O'Rourke to Imam-ul-Haq, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, on a hard length, Imam-ul-Haq misses his tickle shot. Called a wide.

0.2: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan and Abdullah Shafique are underway! Short of a length and well outside off, Abdullah Shafique hops up and opens bat face to cut it off late. The ball goes towards deep third on the bounce for a single.

0.1: Will O'Rourke to Abdullah Shafique, Starts with a back-of-a-length ball, outside off, seaming away, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.

We are back for the chase! The New Zealand players are just outside the ropes doing some last-minute stretches. They get in a huddle now where Michael Bracewell is giving a pep talk and then spread out to take their respective field positions, but not before signing some caps for the kids. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq are the two openers for Pakistan. Will O'Rourke to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, the pitch has offered enough assistance for the bowlers, making this chase anything but a tricky one. With the way New Zealand’s bowlers have operated throughout the series, they will be raring to unleash their firepower once again. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need a well-calculated and determined approach to chase down this big total. With pride on the line in this final game of the tour, they must step up, assess conditions wisely, and bring their A-game to pull off a win. Their reply in a bit!

Rhys Mariu of New Zealand is up for a quick chat. He says that he feels good contributing to the team, and he is happy with the total on the board. Adds that this is a very talented team and they can do well on any day. Mentions that he was nervous in the first game, but here, he was a bit calm. Concludes by saying that he hopes for his team to win the series with a clean sweep.

Pakistan fought hard to prevent any single partnership from running away, but they couldn't stop the late onslaught from Michael Bracewell. His gutsy 59-run blitz in the final overs proved to be the crucial, helping the Kiwis surge past the 260-run mark, a total that could prove challenging for Pakistan on this pitch. Pakistan had their moments with the ball, and it was Akif Javed who shone the brightest, delivering a stellar spell to claim four crucial wickets while Naseem Shah managed to grab two scalps.

Just when the Kiwis seemed to be cruising, quick wickets saw both set batters depart in succession. But Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert ensured stability, rotating the strike smartly while punishing the loose deliveries. Their vital 61-run partnership kept New Zealand's momentum going until Akif Javed struck at key moments to bring Pakistan back into the contest. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, New Zealand managed to rebuild through smaller but effective stands throughout the innings. 

Sent in to bat first, New Zealand suffered an early blow as Nick Kelly fell victim to a fiery Naseem Shah, who was breathing fire with his pace and swing early in the game. However, Pakistan couldn't capitalize on the early breakthrough, as Naseem found little support from the other end. Rhys Mariu, alongside Henry Nicholls, seized the moment and countered brilliantly, forging a crucial 78-run stand that laid a solid foundation for the innings.

Michael Bracewell's explosive finish powered New Zealand to a formidable 264 runs, defying initial concerns about a tricky pitch and overcast conditions. In a display of aggressive yet calculated batting, the hosts made full use of their allotted 42 overs, putting Pakistan under serious pressure with this big total.

41.6: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, OUT! Akif Javed finishes with a four-fer! He takes pace off again, short of length and outside off. Michael Bracewell tries to cut but gets a top edge behind short third. Naseem Shah runs backwards, keeps his eyes under the swirling ball and takes a fantastic catch diving forward. New Zealand ends up with 264/8!

41.5: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, A slower bouncer, outside off, Michael Bracewell swings at it but fails to connect.

41.4: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, SIX! BOOM! Salt to the wounds! Akif Javed bangs this short and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter. Michael Bracewell stands tall and smacks it over the wide long on fence for half a dozen runs.

41.3: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, DROPPED! This could be costly for Pakistan! Fuller one and on middle, Michael Bracewell looks to slog it away to the leg side but gets a top edge. Tayyab Tahir at extra covers tries to settle under it and reverse cup but spills it out.

41.2: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, SIX! FIFTY FOR BRACEWELL! He gets to it with a bang as well! A captain's knock and he has been superb in this series. Back of a length and on middle. Michael Bracewell picks up the length early and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

41.1: Akif Javed to Ben Sears, Put down! A tough chance, though! Short of a length and on off, Ben Sears slaps it down the pitch. Akif Javed fails to react quickly as the ball hits his left hand and deflects towards covers. A single is taken.

Akif Javed will bowl the final over.

40.6: Faheem Ashraf to Ben Sears, Short again and on middle, Ben Sears pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

40.5: Faheem Ashraf to Michael Bracewell, A low full toss, outside off, Michael Bracewell drills it to sweeper covers for a single. 250 up for New Zealand!

40.4: Faheem Ashraf to Michael Bracewell, Back of a length and on off, Michael Bracewell looks to pull but gets a top edge over the bowler's head. The batters get two again as the fielder from long off is a bit late to get to the ball.

40.3: Faheem Ashraf to Ben Sears, Sloppy! Short of a length and outside off, Ben Sears punches it towards covers. Akif Javed tries to slide and stop it with his foot but lets it through and allows three runs. Also, Michael Bracewell is back on strike.

Ben Sears comes out to bat now.

40.2: Faheem Ashraf to Mitchell Hay, OUT! TAKEN! Faheem Ashraf strikes! He bangs this one hard into the pitch, slower as well. Mitchell Hay backs away and tries to swat it away but fails to get on top of the bounce. It flies off the top edge straight down to the throat of Babar Azam at long on, who makes no mistake. New Zealand are 244/7!

40.1: Faheem Ashraf to Mitchell Hay, Pakistan have been penalised for not completing the overs in time, and now they will have to call an extra fielder back in the circle for the last two overs. Good effort in the deep! Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Hay pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket. Salman Agha runs to his right and dives to push it back inside just in time. Two runs taken.

39.6: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, Short of a length and outside off, takes off, Michael Bracewell tries to cut but gets a top edge over short third for a brace.

That was a pretty wayward ball from Akif Javed.

39.6: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, NO BALL AND FOUR! What happened there? Akif Javed loses his grip and bowls a full toss over the head of the batter and down the leg side. Michael Bracewell lets it go and Mohammad Rizwan also fails to stop it from going to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Free Hit up next...

39.5: Akif Javed to Mitchell Hay, Fuller and on off, Mitchell Hay drills it hard down the pitch where it hits Javed's left foot and rolls to long off. They cross.

39.4: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, Pitched up and outside off again, Michael Bracewell throws the kitchen sink at it, gets a top edge that just goes over point. Two runs taken.

39.3: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, Slower one, full and outside off, Michael Bracewell slices it wide of long off for a brace.

39.2: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, Akif Javed bowls a perfect yorker, on middle, angling in, Michael Bracewell just about manages to dig it out.

39.1: Akif Javed to Mitchell Hay, Pace off, back of a length and on middle, Mitchell Hay pats it towards mid-wicket for a single.

38.6: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, SIX! Into the crowd! Naseem Shah misses his yorker and bowls this right in the slot, on middle. Michael Bracewell stays deep inside his crease, gets under it and dispatches it over the long on fence for a biggie.

38.5: Naseem Shah to Mitchell Hay, Fuller and on middle, Mitchell Hay drives it to mid off for one.

38.5: Naseem Shah to Mitchell Hay, A bouncer but down the leg side, Mitchell Hay leaves it alone. Wided.

38.4: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Naseem Shah follows the batter and hits the length hard, outside off. Michael Bracewell thinks about the scoop but has to adjust and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

38.3: Naseem Shah to Mitchell Hay, Slower again, back of length and on leg, Mitchell Hay looks to pull but it lobs up off his forearm towards point. A leg bye is taken.

38.3: Naseem Shah to Mitchell Hay, Tries the slower bouncer, but this is down the leg side, Mitchell Hay lets it go. Wided.

38.2: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Fires in a yorker, on off, Michael Bracewell digs it out towards mid off for a single.

38.1: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Short of a length and on middle and off, Michael Bracewell flat-bats it wide of long on for a brace.

37.6: Akif Javed to Mitchell Hay, Hard length and on off, Mitchell Hay steers it through point for a brace.

37.5: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Michael Bracewell slaps it on the bounce to long off for one.

37.4: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, Slower one, full and on off, Michael Bracewell swings hard at it but gets an inisd edge on his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

37.3: Akif Javed to Mitchell Hay, Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Hay swats it to square leg for a single.

37.3: Akif Javed to Mitchell Hay, Loses his line completely and bowls it well outside off, almost out of the pitch, Mitchell Hay leaves it alone. Wided.

Mitchell Hay comes out to bat now.

37.2: Akif Javed to Muhammad Abbas, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Akif Javed gets his third now! He serves this full and well outside off. Muhammad Abbas tries to reach out for it and slashes hard but only manages a thin bottom edge behind where Mohammad Rizwan makes no mistake. New Zealand six down now!

37.1: Akif Javed to Muhammad Abbas, Back of a length and outside off, Muhammad Abbas looks to heave it away but gets a bottom edge back towards the keeper.

36.6: Naseem Shah to Muhammad Abbas, A low full toss, on middle, Muhammad Abbas swipes it off the inside half of the bat to shot fine for one. Just 4 runs off the over!

36.5: Naseem Shah to Muhammad Abbas, Bangs it into the pitch, on middle, Muhammad Abbas backs away and swats it through mid-wicket for a brace.

36.4: Naseem Shah to Muhammad Abbas, Clever bowling! Naseem Shah takes pace off again, short of a length and on leg, Muhammad Abbas fails to read it and misses his pull.

36.3: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Michael Bracewell jams it out towards long off for a single.

36.2: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Nice change of pace, back of a length and outside off, Michael Bracewell looks to pull it away but goes through it early and misses.

36.1: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Naseem Shah nails the yorker, just on off, Michael Bracewell fails to dig it out. Shah appeals for a caught behind, but no one is interested other than him.

Naseem Shah (7-0-37-2) comes back into the attack.

35.6: Mohammad Wasim to Muhammad Abbas, Good reply! Mohammad Wasim hits the length hard, on off, nips back in sharply, Muhammad Abbas looks to guide it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

35.5: Mohammad Wasim to Muhammad Abbas, SIX! BANG! That's sheer power! Fuller one and on middle, in the slot as well. Muhammad Abbas clears his front leg away and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

35.4: Mohammad Wasim to Muhammad Abbas, Back of a length and on off, Muhammad Abbas looks to pull it away but mistimes it towards mid-wicket. He missed out there.

35.3: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, Slower one, on a length and on off, Michael Bracewell tucks it to the leg side for a run.

35.2: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, Fuller one and angling into leg, Michael Bracewell looks to whip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

35.1: Mohammad Wasim to Muhammad Abbas, Hard length and on leg, Muhammad Abbas flicks it through square leg for a single. 200 UP FOR THE KIWIS!

Mohammad Wasim will continue from this end.

34.6: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, SIX! Brute force! 18 runs come off this over despite a wicket! Short again, on off, Michael Bracewell stands tall and thumps it over long on for consecutive sixes. 

34.5: Akif Javed to Michael Bracewell, SIX! Michael Bracewell showing his class! Akif Javed bashes the deck, angles the short one, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell pulls it over fine leg for a six.

34.4: Akif Javed to Muhammad Abbas, Back of a length, over off, Muhammad Abbas miscues the cut but manages to squeeze a single as the ball goes in front of cover. 

34.3: Akif Javed to Muhammad Abbas, Almost another one! Similar line but gets a bit more bounce and shape that leaves the batter from outside off. Muhammad Abbas has a poke at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Muhammad Abbas walks out to bat now.

34.2: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The bowling change works wonders for Pakistan, and New Zealand lose half their side now for 186 runs. Akif Javed bangs the deck, on a back of a length and keeps the line of attack, outside off. Daryl Mitchell gets on top of his toes and looks to punch it through the off side but only manages to get a thick outside edge that goes straight to the keeper, Mohammad Rizwan. 

The bowling has been pretty disciplined so far from the bowlers of Pakistan.

34.2: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, WIDE! Way too short and over off. 

34.1: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! A hostile welcome back into the attack for Akif Javed! Back of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell opens the bat face and runs it past short third to his right for a boundary. 

Powerplay Three! Now, Pakistan can have one extra fielder out of the circle. Also, change from both ends as Akif Javed comes back into the attack.

33.6: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, Short of a length, on off, Bracewell punches it to cover.

33.5: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, SIX! Picked up and dispatched! Angling in, around leg, on a back of a length, Michael Bracewell whips it behind and clears deep fine leg fence for a biggie. 

33.4: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, Keeps it at the stumps, on a length, blocked down the deck by Bracewell.

33.4: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, WIDE! Angling in but down leg, on a length. Mohammad Wasim will have to reload that one.

33.3: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Very full, on the feet of the batter, Daryl Mitchell flicks it straight to short fine leg and Michael Bracewell calls him through for a quick run.

33.2: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, Good length, on middle, Michael Bracewell tucks it square on the leg side for a single.

33.1: Mohammad Wasim to Michael Bracewell, Slants it in, on a fuller length, on off, Michael Bracewell, with not much of feet movement, looks to push it through off and gets an inside edge back onto his pads.

Mohammad Wasim (6-0-30-0) is back on.

32.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Michael Bracewell, Full, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

32.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Michael Bracewell, FOUR! Nicely done! Floated full, on off, Michael Bracewell pumps it over mid on and gets his first boundary. 

32.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Michael Bracewell, Drops it a bit too short and on off, Bracewell punches it but cannot get it past mid off.

32.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Much fuller, on off, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it behind to fine leg for one.

32.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Michael Bracewell, Full, on off, Michael Bracewell eases the drive to cover and picks up a single.

32.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Michael Bracewell, Full, on middle, Michael Bracewell drives it to point.

31.6: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Full and on off, Michael Bracewell drives it to the right of the cover fielder who dives to make a stop. Keeps it down to just a single. End of a fine over from Naseem Shah! Just the one run and a wicket off it. 

31.5: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Much fuller, on the pads, Michael Bracewell tries to flick but misses onto his pads. 

31.4: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Fuller and on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell tucks it to mid-wicket.

31.3: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, Attacking the stumps, on a fuller length, Bracewell pushes it back to the bowler.

31.2: Naseem Shah to Michael Bracewell, On a length, on middle, Michael Bracewell turns it to mid-wicket. 

Michael Bracewell is the next man in.

31.1: Naseem Shah to Tim Seifert, OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan get a timely wicket, and New Zealand lose their 4th one. Naseem Shah bowls it on a length, on middle and off, Tim Seifert swings across in an attempt to heave but does so a bit too early. Hits it off the lower half of the bat and gets more elevation than the distance. Tayyab Tahir at deep mid-wicket keeps his eyes on the ball and, with precise judgement, stays inches within the rope to take a fine reverse cup catch. 

30.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Slower through the air, full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell swings but misses out.

30.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Drags the length down, on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it to cover.

30.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across and ramps it over the keeper's head for a couple more runs.

30.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Daryl Mitchell is switching gears! Full and on middle, he slogs it over mid-wicket for a boundary. 

30.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, In the air, but falls safe. A bit more flight, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell looks to sweep it. Gets a top edge that falls around the vacant deep square leg region for a couple of runs.

30.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, on middle and leg, turning in, Daryl Mitchell tries to tickle it fine but misses. The ball brushes his thigh and goes past the keeper to his left for a brace. 

29.6: Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Full, at the toes, Daryl Mitchell works it to long on for a single.

29.5: Naseem Shah to Tim Seifert, Another yorker, this time at these stumps, Tim Seifert jams it to cover and takes a single. 50-run partnership is up between these two. 

29.4: Naseem Shah to Tim Seifert, Slower yorker, just outside off, Tim Seifert tries to dig it out but misses to make a connection.

29.3: Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Too full, on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it to cover for a single.

29.2: Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Follows up with a hard-length delivery, on middle and off, Daryl Mitchell drops it down the deck.

29.1: Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! Smoked! Naseem Shah comes back into the attack and goes short, on middle. Sits up nicely for Daryl Mitchell, who swivels back and pulls it over square leg for a biggie.

28.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Tossed up, around off, Tim Seifert taps it to short third.

28.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Full, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it in front of deep mid-wicket for a quick single.

28.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Drops it short and turns it into the batter, on middle and leg, Tim Seifert rocks back and knocks it through covers for a run.

28.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Goes full, on middle, Tim pushes it to mid off.

28.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Loopy full toss, at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell scoops it to fine leg for a single.

28.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Full and outside off, Tim Seifert punches it to deep cover for one.

Drinks! New Zealand are motoring along smoothly, laying a strong foundation to launch an aggressive finish. With plenty of batting depth, they have the firepower to push for a big total. Pakistan, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain consistency with the ball. Despite a decent effort, the lack of wickets has hurt them, allowing the Kiwis to dictate terms thus far. They’ll need quick breakthroughs to halt New Zealand’s acceleration that is on the cards and regain control.

27.6: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, A low full toss, outside off, Daryl Mitchell drills it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through. 

27.5: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length, around off, Mitchell pushes it to cover.

27.4: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, On a good length and outside off, Tim Seifert clears out his front leg and lofts it over cover for a single. The skipper, Mohammad Rizwan, isn't happy with the effort of the fielder in the deep as he didn't go for the catch.

27.3: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, A good follow-up yorker, around middle, Daryl Mitchell manages to dig it out to deep fine leg for a single.

27.2: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, On a good length, around middle, nips back in sharply, Daryl Mitchell hops up and looks to drop it down to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the front pad. 

27.1: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length, around off, Daryl Mitchell pulls it off the back foot but straight to mid-wicket.

26.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, A low full toss, around off, Tim Seifert jams it out to backward point.

26.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Full and into the pads, Daryl Mitchell goes on his knee and sweeps it to deep fine leg for one.

26.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, BEATEN! A bit quicker and on a nagging length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut it but misses.

26.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Floated it up, around off, Tim drives it to the left of mid off for a single.

26.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Drops it short and around off, Tim Seifert goes back and cuts it hard but straight to cover point.

26.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed it up, outside off, Daryl Mitchell goes on his knee and looks to paddle it but gets an underedge to third man for a single.

25.6: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Full and outside off, Darly punches it to deep cover for a single.

25.5: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Nagging length, into the pads, Mitchell flicks it to mid-wicket.

25.4: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, A quick single! Lands it full and outside off, Tim Seifert drives it to the left of mid off and gets to the other end quickly.

25.3: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Full and around middle, Mitchell drives it to the right of the bowler for a single.

25.2: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, Slightly fuller and outside off, Tim Seifert comes forward and drives it through covers for a single.

25.1: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and around off, Mitchell punches it to deep cover for a single.

24.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Dragged length and around off, Tim Seifert makes room and cuts it towards sweeper cover. He picks up a couple of runs as the fielder in the deep is a bit slow to throw it to the keeper.

24.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, A loopy full ball, around off, Tim Seifert drills it back to the bowler.

24.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Nagging length, around off, Daryl Mitchell comes forward and pushes it to long off for a single.

24.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Floated it up, around off, Daryl drives it but straight to cover again.

24.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed it up, around off Mitchell drives it to cover.

24.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Short and around off, Tim Seifert uses his feet and slashes it off the outer half of the bat aerially to deep backward point for a single.

23.6: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, Full and around off, Tim pushes it to long on for a single to end the over.

23.5: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, BEATEN! A good comeback by Wasim! He bowls it slightly fuller and in the channel outside off, gets to nip away a bit. Tim Seifert gets squared up as he looks to defend it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

23.4: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, Hard length and well outside off, Tim Seifert lofts it inside out over cover but doesn't time it well. However, it goes over the cover fielder and he gets a couple of runs.

23.3: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, SIX! POWERED AWAY! Touch short and angling into the body of the batter, Tim Seifert goes back and pulls it hard over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

23.2: Mohammad Wasim to Tim Seifert, BEATEN! On a back of a length and outside off, gets a bit of an extra bounce as well, Tim Seifert looks to slash at it but misses.

23.1: Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, On a good length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell moves across a bit and punches it to deep cover for a single.

22.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, BEATEN! Dragged length and touch outside off, Tim Seifert goes back to cut it but misses.

22.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted it up, around leg, Daryl Mitchell goes on his knee and paddles it to deep fine leg for a single.

22.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Full and around middle, Mitchell nudges it to wide mid-wicket.

22.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Floated it up, around middle, Tim Seifert looks to nudge it towards mid-wicket but gets a leading edge to backward point for a single.

22.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, BEATEN! Tossed it up and outside off, turns away, Tim Seifert leans on to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

22.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Drops it short and around off, Tim Seifert goes back and punches it to extra cover.

21.6: Faheem Ashraf to Tim Seifert, On a good length and on the pads, Tim turns it to deep square leg and takes a single.

21.5: Faheem Ashraf to Tim Seifert, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Faheem lands it full and around middle, Tim Seifert comes forward and shows the full face of the bat. He drives it to the right of the bowler down the ground for a boundary. Such a lovely shot! 

21.4: Faheem Ashraf to Tim Seifert, Hard length and around off, Tim Seifert hops up and cuts it but off the bottom part of the bat towards cover.

21.3: Faheem Ashraf to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and touch outside off, Mitchell pushes it to deep cover for a single.

21.2: Faheem Ashraf to Daryl Mitchell, Nagging length, and around off, Daryl Mitchell looks to punch it to the off side but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

21.1: Faheem Ashraf to Daryl Mitchell, On a good length and into the stumps, Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket.

20.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Looped up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it to long off for one.

20.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Nice shot! Dragged back and well outside off. Daryl Mitchell rocks back, uses the width on offer and cuts it through point for a boundary.

20.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

20.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Tim Seifert, Short and on off, Tim Seifert punches it through covers for a run.

Tim Seifert comes out to bat now.

20.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Rhys Mariu, OUT! LBW! A massive shout for LBW, but turned down! Mohammad Rizwan is literally pleading with the umpire, as it looks really close, too. Pakistan take the review. This is floated, full and on middle and leg, turns in. Rhys Mariu goes down to sweep, but this is too full for that shot, and he misses to get hit on the pads. The only thing that can save him, if it is pitching outside leg. However, UltraEdge confirms that no bat is involved, and Ball Tracking comes up three reds! Another timely wicket for Pakistan as Mariu departs for 58 off 61. The Kiwis are three down now.

20.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it to long off for a single.

19.6: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Bangs it into the pitch, outside off, Rhys Mariu punches it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

19.5: Faheem Ashraf to Daryl Mitchell, HIts the length hard, on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it towards short covers for another run. 100 up for New Zealand!

19.4: Faheem Ashraf to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on middle, angling in, Daryl Mitchell nudges it to mid-wicket.

19.3: Faheem Ashraf to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell stabs it in front of short covers.

19.2: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Short of a length and outside off, Rhys Mariu cuts it through point for a single.

19.1: Faheem Ashraf to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell knocks it to mid on for a single. That brings up 2000 ODI RUNS for him!

Faheem Ashraf (2-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.

18.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Rhys Mariu, Quicker, full and on middle, Rhys Mariu stays back and blocks it out.

18.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Rhys Mariu, FOUR! Up and over! Flighted, full and on off. Rhys Mariu moves to the leg side early to create some room, reaches out for it and lofts it beautifully over extra covers for a boundary.

18.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Flatter, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

18.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Slows it up, full and on leg, Daryl Mitchell turns it to the leg side.

18.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Daryl Mitchell, Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes down to paddle it away but the ball goes off his gloves onto his body and drops on the off side.

18.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Rhys Mariu, Tossed up, full and on off, Rhys Mariu drives it through covers for a single.

17.6: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, MAIDEN-WICKET OVER! A fine yorker now, on off, Daryl Mitchell digs it out to the off side.

17.5: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, Hard length and on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it in front of short covers.

17.4: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out on the pitch.

17.3: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, A bouncer, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.

17.2: Akif Javed to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

Daryl Mitchell comes out to bat at number four.

17.1: Akif Javed to Henry Nicholls, OUT! TAKEN! Akif Javed gets the breakthrough for Pakistan! A much-needed one for the visitors as the big 78-run stand is broken now. This is a sharp and quick bouncer, on middle, takes off a bit. Henry Nicholls looks to pull it away but the ball gets big on him and takes the top edge. It flies high in the air towards deep square leg where Mohammad Wasim settles under it and takes a good catch. Nicholls walks back for 31 off 40, and New Zealand are 91/2!

16.6: Sufiyan Muqeem to Henry Nicholls, Short and on off, Henry Nicholls punches it through covers for one.

16.5: Sufiyan Muqeem to Henry Nicholls, Slows it up, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls blocks it out.

16.4: Sufiyan Muqeem to Rhys Mariu, MAIDEN ODI FIFTY FOR MARIU! An excellent knock from the youngster, and he has looked solid from the get-go here. This is a bit short and on off, Rhys Mariu steers it to short third and sets off for the run. He is not aware that the throw is at his end, but it misses the stumps, and he makes his ground.

16.3: Sufiyan Muqeem to Henry Nicholls, Flighted, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls swipes it to short fine and scampers across for a run.

16.2: Sufiyan Muqeem to Rhys Mariu, Floated, full and on off, Rhys Mariu gets down across and paddles it to fine leg for a single. He moves to 49 now!

16.1: Sufiyan Muqeem to Rhys Mariu, Tossed up, full and on middle, Rhys Mariu taps it to short covers.

Sufiyan Muqeem comes into the attack now.

15.6: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, Hard length and on middle and leg, Rhys Mariu heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

15.5: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, Pitched up and on leg, Rhys Mariu blocks it out.

15.4: Akif Javed to Henry Nicholls, Short again, on middle, Henry Nicholls pulls it away nicely to deep square leg for a run.

15.4: Akif Javed to Henry Nicholls, Back of a length but down the leg side, Henry Nicholls tries to hook it away but misses. Wided.

15.3: Akif Javed to Henry Nicholls, Short of a length and on off, Henry Nicholls dabs it to point.

15.2: Akif Javed to Henry Nicholls, Full again and on middle, Henry Nicholls drills it back to the bowler.

15.1: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, Edged but safe! Fuller and around off, angling away, Rhys Mariu looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge down to the left of third man for a single.

14.6: Salman Agha to Rhys Mariu, Fires one, full and on middle, Rhys Mariu tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

14.5: Salman Agha to Rhys Mariu, FOUR! Nicely done! Flighted, full and on off, Rhys Mariu quickly gets down on a knee and nails the reverse sweep through point for a boundary.

14.4: Salman Agha to Rhys Mariu, Drags his length back, outside off, Rhys Mariu punches it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

14.3: Salman Agha to Rhys Mariu, Flatter, short and on middle, Rhys Mariu pats it to the left of short mid-wicket.

14.2: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Floated, short and around off, turns away Henry Nicholls cuts it to deep point for a single.

14.1: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Tossed up, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls pushes it to short covers.

Drinks! Despite losing an early wicket, New Zealand have batted brilliantly, with both Rhys Mariu and Henry Nicholls going along nicely. They will look to extend this partnership and set up a base of the middle order to come in and post a big score. Pakistan are searching for wickets here, but they haven't been able to create many opportunities. They will hope that this break breaks the momentum of the batters, and they can capitalise on that to get a breakthrough.

13.6: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, A low full toss, outside off, Rhys Mariu makes no contact with the ball as he looks to drive. Will feel he missed on this one for sure. 

13.5: Akif Javed to Henry Nicholls, Full and on the stumps, Henry Nicholls angles it to deep third for a run.

13.4: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, In the air again, and just short of the fielder! Too full and on middle and leg, Rhys Mariu flicks it uppishly to the right of mid on for one. 

13.3: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, Full, on off, Rhys Mariu firms his drive but straight to mid off. 

13.2: Akif Javed to Henry Nicholls, Good length, outside off, Henry Nicholls cuts it to deep point for one.

13.1: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, Good running between the wickets! Hard length, on off, Rhys Mariu nudges it in front of point and charges through for a quick run.

Akif Javed replaces Mohammad Wasim.

12.6: Salman Agha to Rhys Mariu, In the air, but falls safe. A lot of half-chances created by Salman Agha already! Short and on off, Rhys Mariu backs away to cut and gets a thick outside edge that lobs to the left of short third for one.

12.5: Salman Agha to Rhys Mariu, Full, on off, Rhys Mariu lunges to block.

12.4: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Tossed up, around middle and off, Henry Nicholls drives it to deep point for one.

12.3: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Short and on off, Henry Nicholls slaps it hard but straight to cover. 

12.2: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Full, on middle, Henry Nicholls pushes it to cover.

12.1: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Looped full, on middle, Henry Nicholls gets a thick outside edge in an attempt to drive it straight and beats short third to his right for two.

11.6: Mohammad Wasim to Rhys Mariu, Length, around off, Rhys Mariu miscues his drive to the left of the bowler. 

11.5: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Good length, on middle and off, Henry Nicholls works it through covers for one.

11.4: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Hard length, on leg, Henry Nicholls hops back to block but misses onto his pads. There is an appeal for LBW by the bowler alone and the umpire turns it down. 

11.3: Mohammad Wasim to Rhys Mariu, Short and outside off, Rhys Mariu looks to cut but chops it down the deck and in front of backward point. Henry Nicholls calls him through for a quick single. 

11.2: Mohammad Wasim to Rhys Mariu, Attacks the stumps, on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in, Rhys Mariu just about manages to block it out. 

11.1: Mohammad Wasim to Rhys Mariu, Back of a length, on off, Rhys Mariu cuts it to backward point.

10.6: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Full, on middle, Henry Nicholls taps it to mid on.

10.5: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Almost a wicket! Floated full, on off, Henry Nicholls drives it uppishly but manages to keep it away from the leaping cover fielder to his left. Two runs taken.

10.4: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Drifting away, from around off, Henry Nicholls tries to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

10.3: Salman Agha to Rhys Mariu, Keeps it short and on off, Rhys Mariu cuts it to deep backward point for a single. The 50-run stand is up between these two batters. 

10.2: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Floated full, on middle, Henry Nicholls lunges to block. Gets an inside edge to square leg for one.

10.1: Salman Agha to Henry Nicholls, Comes into the attack and goes full, on middle, Henry Nicholls knocks it to mid on.

9.6: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Bashes the surface yet again, on a back of a length, on leg, Henry Nicholls fails to tuck it down. The ball clips his thigh pad and goes to the leg side. The batters take a leg bye.

9.5: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Bangs the deck hard, on a short of a length, over leg, Henry Nicholls ducks under it.

9.4: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Good length, on middle and off, Henry Nicholls neatly works it through covers for a brace.

9.3: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Goes very full, on middle, Henry Nicholls jams it out.

9.2: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Just wide enough! Fuller and outside off, Henry Nicholls reaches out and cuts it past backward point to his right for a boundary.

9.1: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Top delivery! On a length, outside off, Henry Nicholls moves across and looks to play it on the leg side but the ball shapes away and he gets beaten. The ball goes off the thigh pad and Mohammad Rizwan fails to grab it to his left with a dive. 

8.6: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Another one that moves away, from around off, Rhys Mariu leaves it alone. That will be the end of the first Powerplay! 

8.5: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, FOUR! As good a shot can get! Good length, on off, shaping away, Rhys Mariu creams his drive through covers for a boundary. 

8.4: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Lovely ball! Short of a length, around off and shaping away with good bounce off the deck. Rhys Mariu looks to block but is beaten on the outside edge.

8.3: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Angling into the pads, on a good length, Rhys Mariu tucks it to mid-wicket.

8.2: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Hard length, at the stumps, Rhys Mariu keeps it out. 

8.2: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, WIDE! On a length but going down leg. 50 runs up for New Zealand.

8.1: Naseem Shah to Henry Nicholls, Beautiful shot! Fuller than a length and outside off, Henry Nicholls drives it past mid off. Mohammad Wasim from mid off chases the ball and slides to push it back in, saving a run for his side.

7.6: Mohammad Wasim to Rhys Mariu, Length, on off, Rhys Mariu offers a solid front foot block.

7.5: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, On a length, at the stumps, Henry Nicholls tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

7.4: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, hard length, over middle and leg, zips through quicker and Henry Nicholls is cramped in for room. Gets hit high around the waist.

7.3: Mohammad Wasim to Rhys Mariu, Good length, around off, Rhys Mariu works it to deep third for a single.

7.2: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Short of a length, on middle, Henry Nicholls pulls it past square leg to his right. The ball loses steam around the boundary rope, and the fielder from mid-wicket chases it. Three runs taken.

7.1: Mohammad Wasim to Henry Nicholls, Starts well, does Mohammad Wasim! Comes from around the wicket and angles it into middle and leg, on a fuller length, Henry Nicholls looks to tuck it across but gets beaten onto his pads.

Mohammad Wasim comes into the attack now.

6.6: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Full again and around off, this time, Rhys Mariu comes forward and creams his drive in the gap towards cover for another boundary.

6.5: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Slightly fuller and on the pads, tries to follow the batter. Rhys Mariu uses his feet and flicks it towards deep backward square leg. The fielder chases it though but the ball races away to the boundary.

6.4: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, BEATEN! Back of a length and outside off, swings away, Rhys Mariu looks to defend it but the ball zips past the outside edge by an inch.

6.3: Naseem Shah to Henry Nicholls, Good fielding! Naseem lands it full and around off, Henry Nicholls leans on and drives it in the gap towards cover. Mohammad Wasim runs in from mid off and puts in a slide to save one run. The batters take three runs.

6.2: Naseem Shah to Henry Nicholls, On a good length and wide outside off, Henry Nicholls doesn't offer any shot at it. 

6.1: Naseem Shah to Henry Nicholls, Full and around off, Henry comes forward and drives it to mid off.

5.6: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Back of a length, around off, Mariu dabs it down towards cover point for no run.

5.5: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Lands it full again and around off, Rhys Mariu takes out his front leg forward and drops it down to cover. He wants to have a single but is sent back by his partner.

5.4: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Bowls it slightly fuller than the previous one, around middle, Rhys Mariu defends it off the back foot.

5.3: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Nagging length, around off, Rhys Mariu pats it down into the pitch, and the ball rolls away back to the bowler.

5.2: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Pitches it up, around off, Rhys Mariu comes forward and defends it right under his eyes.

5.1: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, SIX! EFFORTLESS! Faheem bowls it on the pads, on a full length, a gentle loosener. Rhys Mariu picks it up as he leans on and flicks it with soft hands. The ball sails over the deep square leg for a biggie.

4.6: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, In the air... but falls safe! On a hard length and around middle, Rhys Mariu looks to chip it in to the leg side but gets a top edge that goes wide of mid-wicket. The batters take a single.

4.5: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Hits the deck hard with a short-of-a-length ball, around off, Rhys Mariu looks to defend it again but gets an outside edge that goes to the gully fielder on the bounce.

4.4: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, BEATEN! Back of a length and just outside off, Rhys Mariu gets squared up again as he looks to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

4.3: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Slightly fuller and well outside off, Rhys Mariu gets width to open his arms as he slices it in the gap towards backward point for a boundary.

4.2: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, BEAUTY! On a hard length and in the channel outside off, Rhys Mariu gets squared up in trying to defend it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

4.1: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Nealy a chopped on! On a good length, around off, Rhys Mariu defends it with a straight but the ball rolls away under his bat and zips past the off stump. 

3.6: Faheem Ashraf to Henry Nicholls, Hard length, at hips, Henry Nicholls tucks it towards square leg and picks up a couple of runs. 

3.5: Faheem Ashraf to Henry Nicholls, Slightly fuller length and wide outside off, moving away from the batter, Henry Nicholls watches it but decides to not offer any shot at it.

3.4: Faheem Ashraf to Henry Nicholls, Nagging length, around middle, Henry drops it down to mid on.

3.3: Faheem Ashraf to Henry Nicholls, Touch fuller and just outside off, Henry Nicholls comes forward and drives it. He connects it well but the ball goes straight to the extra cover fielder.

3.3: Faheem Ashraf to Henry Nicholls, WIDE! On a dragged length but down the leg side, swinging back into the left-handed batter, Henry Nicholls misses his tickle shot. Called a wide.

3.2: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Leg bye! Lands it full and around middle, Rhys Mariu misses his flick shot and gets hit on the front pad. He gets a single for leg bye as the ball rolls away wide of square leg.

3.1: Faheem Ashraf to Rhys Mariu, Begins with a yorker, around off, Rhys Mariu drils it towards mid off. Sufiyan Muqeem runs in to his left and slides to stop the ball but makes a fumble there which allows a couple of runs for the batters. 

Henry Nicholls walks in at number 3 for New Zealand. After just one over from Akif Javed, Faheem Ashraf comes in as the first change, replacing him.

2.6: Naseem Shah to Nick Kelly, OUT! CAUGHT! A sharp catch has ended the short stay of Nick Kelly as he goes for 3(9) and New Zealand are 13/1. Naseem bowls it fuller and on the pads, gets it to swing back in, Nick Kelly lunges and flicks it. He connects it well, but towards short mid-wicket. Abdullah Shafique puts in a dive to his right there and picks it up just above the ground. The precise field placement has provided this early wicket for Pakistan.

2.5: Naseem Shah to Nick Kelly, Slightly fuller and around middle, Kelly blocks it out.

2.4: Naseem Shah to Nick Kelly, Overpitches it, around off, Nick Kelly leans on and drives it to the right of the bowler. Mohammad Wasim chases it down from mid off and cuts it off to restrict the batter for a couple of runs.

2.3: Naseem Shah to Nick Kelly, Nagging length, around off, Nick Kelly looks to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the front pad. The ball rolls away towards the point region.

2.2: Naseem Shah to Nick Kelly, A massive appeal for LBW by the bowler but is not given by the umpire! They aren't going for a review here! Naseem lands it full and around middle, swings it in, Nick Kelly misses his flick shot and gets hit on the front pad. Probably, going down leg.

2.1: Naseem Shah to Nick Kelly, Hard length, on top of off, Nick Kelly goes back and pats it down towards backward point.

1.6: Akif Javed to Nick Kelly, Back of a length, around middle and leg, Kelly helps it on its way to deep fine leg for a single.

1.5: Akif Javed to Nick Kelly, Swings it into the pads, on a full length, around leg, Kelly lunges and flicks it to mid-wicket.

1.4: Akif Javed to Nick Kelly, Again a yorker, around off, Nick Kelly jams it out towards cover.

1.3: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, A yorker and well outside off, Rhys Mariu comes forward and opens bat face to slice it to wide deep third for a single.

1.3: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, slightly fuller, Rhys Mariu swings at it but misses. Called a wide.

1.2: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, Nagging length, around off, Rhys defends it to cover.

1.1: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, SIX! PUMPED! Rhys Mariu takes full advantage of the Free Hit now! Javed bowls it on a dragged length and around off, Mariu shuffles across to cover the line and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

1.1: Akif Javed to Rhys Mariu, Starts with a good-length ball, into the pads, Rhys Mariu drops it down into the pitch off the front foot. Oh... No, Akif Javed has overstepped and a Free-Hit is coming!

Akif Javed to share the attack from the other end.

0.6: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, First run of the day! Back of a length and wide outside off, Rhys Mariu gets width to extend his arms as he slice it to wide deep third for a single to get off the mark.

0.5: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, BEATEN! Dragged length and outside off, seaming away, Rhys Mariu looks to drive it to the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

0.4: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Goes fuller now and touch outside off, Rhys Mariu leans on to drive it but gets it through the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket. 

0.3: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, On a good length, around off, Rhys Mariu looks to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

0.2: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, BEAUTY! This is on that hard length and in the channel outside off, gets it to shape away after pitching. Rhys Mariu gets squared up as he looks to defend it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

0.1: Naseem Shah to Rhys Mariu, Begins with an outswinger, on a back of a length and well outside off, moves away, Rhys Mariu watches it carefully and leaves it alone.

In all readiness for the action to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle and are followed by Pakistan players who burst open off their final huddle and take the field. Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly are the openers for New Zealand striding out. Naseem Shah has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings. Away we go!

Tim Seifert is in for a chat. He says it's unfortunate when a teammate goes down, but he had to come in and is happy to have done well. Adds that there has been a lot of rain around and the pitch could be tricky but they will want to try and play well and backs his batters to do well. States that the depth in both batting and bowling is a great sign for New Zealand cricket.

PITCH REPORT - Craig McMillan is pitchside with Mark Richardson. He says that the wicket looks rolled well, and it will be dry and the ball will reach the keeper on a bounce. Mark says that the rain was here for a couple of days, and that can impact the wicket and how it will play in the second inning. Adds that the pace and bounce look good on it. Mentions that the conditions are pretty good with the sun out and the batters will enjoy batting here. Expecting a good score.

Now, let's take a look at the revised conditions! Due to all the time lost, it will be a 42-over-per-side match. Powerplay 1 will be from 1-9 overs, Over 10-34 will be the Second Powerplay, and 35-42 will be Powerplay 3. Two bowlers can bowl a maximum of nine overs and three bowlers can bowl upto eight overs.

Michael Bracewell, the captain of New Zealand, says that the pitch has been under cover for a couple of days, so he will want to see how it plays with the weather around. Mentions that they want to play the same way as they have played so far and, hopefully, get a win here also. States that the young players have done well in the whole tour and the strength of the team has been really good, and he is excited to play along with them. Tells that they want to finish this series on a high. Informs that Nathan Smith misses out, and Tim Seifert comes in.

Mohammad Rizwan, the skipper of Pakistan says that this is a different pitch and with it having some moisture they would want to extract early assistance. Adds that the tour has been tough and the conditions in New Zealand keep changing but they want to perform well in this game. Informs Naseem Shah comes in for Haris Rauf.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Nick Kelly, Rhys Mariu, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert (In place of Nathan Smith), Michael Bracewell (C), Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (WK), Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah (In place of Haris Rauf), Sufiyan Muqeem, Akif Javed

TOSS - The coin once again lands in favour of Mohammad Rizwan and Pakistan have elected to BOWL first.