Despite a strong performance from the bowlers, the Indian batting lineup struggled yet again, ending day one of the third Test against New Zealand at 86/4. With losses in the previous two Tests, the Indian team is facing the possibility of a 3-0 series defeat. Left-arm spinner Jadeja led the bowling attack with a fifer, but the Indian batters, including captain Rohit Sharma and star player Virat Kohli, fell victim to misfortune and poor timing. However, there is still hope for India as Washington Sundar's four wickets helped restrict New Zealand to 235 runs in their first innings.
In the fourth Twenty20 international between Pakistan and New Zealand, Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 90 dominated the Pakistan's score of 158-5. However, Rizwan lacked support from his teammates and was denied the strike in the closing stages. New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, chose to bat first and his bowlers performed with discipline, led by Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. New Zealand made two changes to their team with Will Young replacing Covid positive Devon Conway and Adam Milne replacing Ish Sodhi.
New Zealand have already secured the five-match 20-over series against Pakistan after winning the first three games. However, they will be looking for a clean sweep in the series while the visitors will be playing for pride. New Zealand opener Devon Conway will not be playing in the fourth T20I after testing positive for Covid-19, with Chad Bowes taking his place in the lineup. At the toss, Pakistan captain Afridi expressed the team's focus on preparing for the World Cup and the areas they need to improve on.
Hosts New Zealand are on the verge of winning their five-match T20I series against Pakistan, but will have to do so without skipper Kane Williamson due to injury. With a South Africa Test series approaching, New Zealand will look to make sure Williamson is fit for that, while Tim Seifert is expected to fill in for him in the playing XI. Pakistan, on the other hand, are fighting to keep the series alive after two consecutive losses and will have to improve their batting if they hope to push for a decider. The match will be played in the batting-friendly venue of Dunedin, making for an exciting contest.