PAK vs NZ 5th T20I: The ongoing New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2024 has reached its climax and what better setting than the hosts facing the danger of losing the series if they do not perform? Pakistan sees itself in a bit of a fix as they stands in a do-or-die situation in the 5th T20I, which is scheduled to be held on April 27 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
While the first game of the series was washed out due to rain, the second game saw Pakistan getting better of New Zealand by seven wickets. However, the second-string New Zealand side struck back with two back-to-back wins in the next two games to flip the scoreline in their favour. As things stand currently, the scoreline reads 2-1 in the favour of the visitors.
Tim Robinson and William ORourke starred in the fourth PAK vs NZ T20I to hand a defeat to Pakistan by 4 runs.
New Zealand batting first added a healthy 178 runs to the scoreboard in 20 overs. Opener Tim Robinson scored a fine knock of 51 runs in 36 deliveries. he was aided by Tom Blundell (28 runs), and Dean Foxcroft (34 runs) midway through the first innings.
Later on, Kiwi skipper Michael Bracewell added 27 runs to the score as New Zealand put up 178 runs to win against Pakistan.
Pakistan, though, got off to a disappointing start with the top three batters getting dismissed inside the powerplay, thanks to the initial outburst from William ORourke and Ben Sears.
However, Fakhar Zaman’s 45-ball 61-run knock came to Pakistan’s rescue. Zaman was partnered with Iftikhar Ahmed (23 runs) and Imad Wasim (22 runs) to get closer to the target.
As things started looking bright, Ben Sears removed Fakhar Zaman and William ORourkee struck back with the scalp of Iftikhar Ahmed. Imad Wasim remained unbeaten, but he fell short to take his side home by 4 runs.
Now with New Zealand leading the T20I series, Pakistan face a serious threat of losing the series against a second-string Kiwis. The upcoming PAK vs NZ 5th T20I will come up as a do-or-die for the Babar Azam-led Pakistan.
PAK vs NZ 5th T20I Details
Tour Details: New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2024
Match: PAK vs NZ 5th T20I
Day/Date: Saturday/April 27, 2024
Venue: Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore
Time: 7:30 PM IST
PAK vs NZ: Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report
The surface at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore won’t please the bowlers anyhow. As evident during the recently held Pakistan Super League 2024, the Gaddafi Stadium produced some of the best wickets for the batters to smash the bowlers. The average first innings score at this venue is 161. Batting first has generally given more fruitful results as compared to chasing.
PAK vs NZ 5th T20I Weather Forecast
Light rain is anticipated late on Friday in Lahore with temperature hovering around 28 degrees. The cloud cover is expected to be more than 70 per cent on Friday night. Interestingly, Saturday morning is also expected to experience patchy rain in Lahore around the Gaddafi Stadium.
But, the conditions will improve as the day progresses. The evening temperature on April 27th will hover around 34 degrees, which will drop to 28 degrees eventually, with 18 per cent humidity.
Gaddafi Stadium Facts and Records
- Matches Played – 28
- Matches won batting first – 17
- Matches won batting second – 11
- Average 1st inns score – 162
- Average 2nd inns score – 144
- Highest total – 209/3 by ENG vs PAK
- Lowest total – 94/10 by NZ vs PAK
- Highest score chased – 176/8 by PAK vs ZIM
- Lowest score defended – 126/7 by PAK vs BAN