New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I (March 21, 2025) – Match Report, Highlights & Analysis

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd T20I (March 21, 2025) – Match Report, Highlights & Analysis


Match Details


Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I


Date: March 21, 2025


Venue: Eden Park, Auckland


Result: Pakistan won by 9 wickets




Pakistan stunned New Zealand in the third T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, by chasing 205 runs in just 16 overs. This victory kept the series alive, with New Zealand leading 2-1 after dominating the first two matches.


Let’s break down the match highlights, stats, key moments, player performances, and expert analysis.



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Toss & Team News


New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a big total on the high-scoring Eden Park pitch. Pakistan, needing a win to stay in the series, went with an aggressive bowling-first approach.


Playing XIs


New Zealand Playing XI:


1. Finn Allen



2. Tim Seifert (wk)



3. Kane Williamson (c)



4. Mark Chapman



5. Michael Bracewell



6. Glenn Phillips



7. Mitchell Santner



8. Ish Sodhi



9. Tim Southee



10. Matt Henry



11. Lockie Ferguson




Pakistan Playing XI:


1. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)



2. Hasan Nawaz



3. Babar Azam (c)



4. Fakhar Zaman



5. Iftikhar Ahmed



6. Shadab Khan



7. Imad Wasim



8. Shaheen Afridi



9. Haris Rauf



10. Mohammad Wasim Jr.



11. Naseem Shah





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New Zealand’s Batting Performance


After losing Finn Allen for a duck, New Zealand’s Mark Chapman played a match-defining innings, scoring 94 runs off 44 balls. He hit eight fours and six sixes, putting Pakistan under pressure.


Tim Seifert and Michael Bracewell also contributed with quickfire 19 and 31 runs, respectively. New Zealand posted a strong total of 204/6 in 20 overs.


New Zealand’s Batting Scorecard:



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Pakistan’s Bowling Performance


Pakistan’s bowlers struggled initially, but they pulled things back in the death overs. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf picked up crucial wickets, while Naseem Shah bowled with discipline.


Pakistan’s Bowling Figures:


New Zealand finished with 204/6 in 20 overs, setting a challenging target for Pakistan.



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Pakistan’s Chase – Hasan Nawaz’s Heroics


Pakistan’s chase was led by young opener Hasan Nawaz, who played the innings of his career. After two ducks in the previous matches, he bounced back with a record-breaking 105 off 45 balls, leading Pakistan to a nine-wicket win in just 16 overs.


Mohammad Haris provided early momentum, smashing 41 off 20 balls, while Salman Agha (51 off 31)* played a calm supporting role.


Pakistan’s Batting Scorecard:


Pakistan chased 205 in 16 overs, securing an emphatic victory.



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Key Moments of the Match


1. Mark Chapman’s Explosive Knock


Chapman’s 94 off 44 balls gave New Zealand a strong platform. His aggressive batting ensured New Zealand crossed the 200-run mark.


2. Hasan Nawaz’s Redemption


After two failures, Hasan Nawaz played a career-defining innings, silencing critics with his 105 off 45 balls*.


3. Pakistan’s Powerplay Domination


Pakistan’s openers scored 74 runs in the first 6 overs, putting New Zealand on the back foot.



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Match Result & Series Standing


Pakistan’s victory ensured the series stayed alive at 2-1, with two more matches to be played.



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Player of the Match – Hasan Nawaz


105 off 45 balls*


Fastest T20I century by a Pakistani player


Strike Rate: 233.33



This innings announced Hasan Nawaz as Pakistan’s future T20 star.



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Expert Analysis – What’s Next for Both Teams?


Pakistan’s Strengths & Weaknesses


✅ Top-order firepower: Hasan Nawaz and Haris provided aggressive starts.

✅ Spin advantage: Shadab Khan controlled the middle overs well.

❌ Death Bowling Woes: Conceded too many runs in the final overs.


New Zealand’s Strengths & Weaknesses


✅ Middle-order stability: Chapman and Bracewell carried the innings.

✅ Pace Attack: Ferguson and Henry provided breakthroughs.

❌ Lack of finishing touch: No one capitalized on Chapman’s innings.


With two matches remaining, Pakistan will aim to level the series, while New Zealand will look to bounce back.



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Where to Watch the Next Match?


TV Channels: Star Sports, PTV Sports, Sky Sports


Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV



Stay tuned for more updates!



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Conclusion


Pakistan’s stunning 9-wicket win over New Zealand in the 3rd T20I was a reminder of their T20 dominance. With the series now at 2-1, the next matches promise even more thrilling cricket action.


Who will win the next game? Stay connected for all updates!

 

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