New Zealand Sets 265-Run Target for Pakistan in Decisive Third ODI
The match has been reduced to 42 overs each side.
In the third and final ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan, New Zealand set a target of 265 runs for Pakistan to win at Bay Oval on Saturday.
This match is part of a three-match series where New Zealand has already secured a 2-0 lead, aiming for a clean sweep.
The match was initially delayed due to wet outfield conditions, but it eventually commenced with New Zealand put to bat first.
New Zealand had a shaky start as opener Nick Kelly was dismissed by Naseem Shah in the third over. Despite the early setback, the team recovered to set a competitive target of 265 runs for Pakistan.
The match has been reduced to 42 overs each side.
The toss for the final ODI of the three-match series was delayed due to a wet outfield caused by continuous overnight rain at Mount Maunganui. The umpires initially inspected the pitch at 11:00 AM local time and decided to postpone the toss. A follow-up inspection was conducted 45 minutes later, after which the toss was held at approximately 12:15 PM local time.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Akif Javed.
New Zealand: Nick Kelly, Tim Siefert, Rhys Mariu, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (w), Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke.
