The third ODI of the Pakistan vs New Zealand 2023 series was played at the National Stadium, Karachi on May 3. In the game, the visitors, NZ needed to win to keep the series alive. After all, in the first two games played in Rawalpindi, the Blackcaps faced defeats. On the other hand, after facing the embarrassment of leveling the T20I series, the home team was looking to take a 3-0 lead.
Meanwhile, in the game, the Tom Latham-led side won the toss and elected to field first. Matt Henry managed to take out Fakhar Zaman in the ninth over as the latter has scored three back-to-back centuries since early this year. The likes of skipper Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq put together 108 runs to lay a good platform for the team. However, thanks to their old habit of middle-order collapse, the team could only reach 287/6.
For the Blackcaps, Henry took three wickets while Adam Milne took two and Coke McConchie took one.
Home team takes the unassailable lead in Pakistan vs New Zealand series
In reply, the two-time ODI World Cup finalists had a good start with the bat. Openers, Will Young and Tom Blundell put together 83 runs. Both got run out during different stages of the game. On the other hand, the last match’s centurion, Daryl Mitchell could only manage 21 runs. Despite the good start, just like Pakistan’s middle order, New Zealand‘s middle order also struggled.
Mark Chapman, the fifth T20I hero, could only manage 13 runs. On the other hand, skipper Latham got 45 but couldn’t go on further. Henry Nicholls failed too. However, Cole McConchie scored an unbeaten 64 off 45 balls. Notable, the tailenders didn’t give him enough support for their end. This is why the team needed 28 runs off the last over when the last wicket fell on the first ball of the over. In the end, the Green Brigade won by 28 runs, leading the five-match series by 3-0.
This is how Twitter reacted
hhhh nu sa pydah ko number she aw ko number 15 she . da tol shoot kol pkr d tashey pisey ye harabey krey halak khurak pasey taba shu aw tso begrta halak cricket na elwa pa mehangyi bilkol khbri na kwey
— Bunny ?? (@DrBillalAhmad) May 4, 2023
Pakistan have now won 12 of their last 14 ODIs:
Won
Won
Won
Won
Won
Won
Won
Won
Won
Lost
Lost
Won
Won
Won#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak— Ashar Kamran Rehan (@ashar_kamran) May 3, 2023
O bhai complains and complains look at the opners of Pak where they at in world? pic.twitter.com/x2ae2JJjxA
— muhammad maarij (@maarij321) May 3, 2023
2players must be in playing 11. Iftikhar & Imad.Their roles must be defined&team should stick to it. Both r better performers on consistent bases as to Salman & Nawaz.Iftikhar bowling skills must also be utilized on regular basis. Fast Bowling options we have plenty & may rotate
— Riz Sindhoo (@RSindh) May 3, 2023
Another issue is that our main spinners are struggling and not taking wkts in middle overs
— Sheikhuuu??? (@FaizanSheikh711) May 3, 2023
Dr. sb, no. 6 is I think confirmed now. He should be given regular chances, however, there is a little bit dark still at 4. Spinners are finalized and strengthened by adding Usama. I think both Shafiq and Agha should be given regular chances to boost their confidence. That's it
— EU Khokhar (@EhsanUllah1) May 4, 2023
Watching and Admiring pak cricket from India ?? …
I think pak have a set 1,2,3 ( imam, fahkar, babar)
No. 4 ?
No. 5 rizwan
No. 6 ?
No. 7 Nawaz ( imad)
No 8 shadab
No.9 naseem
No 10 rauf
No 11 shaheenNo. 4 is an issue to be sort out for. In my opinion..
— ?????? ??????? ???????? (@ajith_hales) May 4, 2023
Salman agha is a misfit.. no matter if he score an occasional fifty or take few wickets.. It’s always going to be Iftikhar at number 6
At number 4 Abdullah is also misfit.. The way Babar & Imam plays.. you need someone aggressive at 4 who can attack spinners.. Azam Khan may be
— KaanpeTaangRahiHa (@ha_taang) May 3, 2023
I want to see @iamharis63 and @IftiMania given chances in the next game instead of Abdullah Shafique and Salman Ali Agha. Team needs some serious power hitting at the bottom and someone who can play with a half decent striker rate in the middle. Bowlers can rotate all they want.
— Salik Shariff (@ShariffSalik) May 3, 2023
No.4 Agha salman No.6 iftikhar https://t.co/3uIwHrdKD8.7 imad wasim.4 spinners.Shadab,imad,Agha,iftikhar with 3 fast bowlers.Not a bad team.
— Squid (@Squid52825123) May 3, 2023
