Hello and welcome to Newshub’s live coverage of the third T20 international between the Blackcaps and Pakistan at Dunedin’s University Oval.
New Zealand is currently leading the five-match series with convincing victories in the first two games – a 46-run win in Auckland and a 21-run triumph in Hamilton. They batted first in both matches and successfully defended their totals with strong bowling performances.
Finn Allen, the opening batter, is hitting his stride at this level, and Blackcaps coach Gary Stead is pleased with the bowling attack’s performance, even in the absence of key player Trent Boult.
Tim Southee has made history by becoming the first player to take 150 T20 international wickets, and the form of Adam Milne and Ben Sears has also provided reasons for optimism.
The third match will see a change in dynamics as captain Kane Williamson is ruled out due to a hamstring strain, and speedster Lockie Ferguson joins the squad after recovering from an Achilles tweak during the recent ODI World Cup.
With an opportunity to clinch the series with a victory in Dunedin, the home side will aim for a strong performance. However, they still have two more chances in Christchurch if the tourists manage to make a comeback.
- Join us at 1pm for the opening ball.
- TAB Odds: NZ $1.56, Pakistan $2.30
Blackcaps skipper Williamson officially ruled out of Pakistan T20 series with injury
Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson has been officially ruled out of the remaining three matches in the Twenty20 series against Pakistan after a scan confirmed a grade one hamstring strain. Coach Gary Stead had indicated Williamson’s likely absence after he retired hurt during New Zealand’s 21-run win at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.
With Williamson sidelined, Will Young will continue with the squad for the fourth and fifth matches in Christchurch, having initially joined for the third match in Dunedin. New Zealand Cricket stated, “A timeline for Williamson’s rehabilitation and return to cricket is still being established with a goal of being ready for selection in the test series against South Africa starting next month.”
Blackcaps batting coach Luke Ronchi expressed confidence in players like Young stepping up in Williamson’s absence, noting their good form domestically. Williamson aims to regain fitness for the upcoming South African test matches, starting in just 19 days. Ronchi is hopeful, stating, “He’ll hopefully be alright for those.”
As Williamson exits the series, veteran fast-bowler Lockie Ferguson makes his international return. Having played for Auckland Aces in the Super Smash domestic season, this T20 match against Pakistan marks his return to the Blackcaps since suffering an Achilles injury at the recent ODI Cricket World Cup in India.
Ferguson, feeling positive after a necessary recovery period for his Achilles, stated, “Another challenge for us tomorrow to try and seal the series, but also making steps towards a big World Cup this year.”