The highly anticipated third T20I of the five-match series between New Zealand and Pakistan is set to take place at Eden Park in Auckland on March 21. After a dominant 2-0 lead in the series, New Zealand is eager to extend their advantage, while Pakistan will be looking to bounce back and level the series. Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and chose to bowl, hoping to contain the aggressive Kiwi batting lineup and put pressure on their bowlers in the chase.

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I Playing XIs: Key Players and Expectations

For the third T20I, New Zealand's playing XI remains unchanged, featuring explosive openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, with support from the middle-order stars like Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell. The bowling lineup is also formidable, with Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, and Ben Sears taking charge. Pakistan, on the other hand, has made a few changes in their lineup. Their key batters, Mohammad Haris and Khushdil Shah, need to step up to ensure a competitive total, while Shaheen Afridi’s bowling performance is crucial after a disappointing outing in the second T20I.

Auckland's Eden Park: The Venue for the 3rd T20I Between New Zealand and Pakistan

Eden Park in Auckland is set to host the exciting third T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan. Known for its small boundaries and lively pitch conditions, Eden Park is expected to provide ample opportunities for batsmen to score freely. The high-scoring nature of the venue could provide an exciting contest between the two teams, with both sides aiming to capitalize on the favorable conditions for aggressive batting.

New Zealand's Dominance in the Series: Can Pakistan Make a Comeback in the 3rd T20I?

New Zealand enters the 3rd T20I with a 2-0 lead in the series after dominating the opening matches. In the second T20I, a rain-affected game reduced to 15 overs per side, Pakistan started strong but failed to post a competitive total. New Zealand’s openers, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, attacked from the start, guiding the team to a comfortable win with five wickets in hand and 11 balls remaining. Pakistan's inconsistent batting and lackluster bowling performances have left them with much to improve in this crucial third match to stay in the series.

Key Players to Watch in the 3rd T20I: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Shaheen Afridi, and Others

As the series heads into the third T20I, several key players from both sides are under scrutiny. Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, New Zealand's explosive openers, have been in superb form, and their performance will again be central to their team’s chances. Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's premier bowler, has struggled in the first two matches, and Pakistan will be hoping for a significant improvement from him. With both teams having world-class talent, the third T20I promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with individual brilliance and tactical battles.

When and Where to Watch the New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I: Live Broadcast and Streaming Details

The third T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan will take place on March 21, with the live toss occurring at 11:15 AM IST. Fans in India can catch the live action on the Sony Sports Network, while the live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and FanCode for viewers who prefer to stream the match online. The match promises to be an exciting contest, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling T20 series.

Head-to-Head Record Between New Zealand and Pakistan in T20Is: A Close Rivalry

Historically, New Zealand and Pakistan have shared a close rivalry in T20Is, with both teams having won a similar number of matches. Out of the 46 T20I encounters between the two nations, Pakistan has won 23, while New Zealand has claimed 21 victories. With the series currently 2-0 in New Zealand's favor, Pakistan will look to narrow the gap in their head-to-head record by winning the third T20I and staying alive in the series.

Both Teams' Squad Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Key Players in the 3rd T20I

New Zealand and Pakistan have both brought strong squads to this series, with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. New Zealand's squad includes powerful hitters like Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman, while their bowling attack is led by Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi. On the other hand, Pakistan's squad features dynamic players like Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Khushdil Shah, but their inconsistency in the first two matches has raised questions about their ability to compete. The 3rd T20I will be a test of both teams' ability to adapt and overcome their weaknesses.

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I: What to Expect From Today’s Match

As the series heads into its third match, New Zealand will be looking to complete a series win, while Pakistan must deliver a strong performance to avoid a series loss. The battle between New Zealand’s aggressive batting and Pakistan’s varied bowling attack will be a key focus, with both teams keen to showcase their strengths. With exciting cricket expected at Eden Park, the 3rd T20I promises to deliver drama, emotions, and plenty of memorable moments.