The series is dead and dusted, New Zealand have outplayed Pakistan completely and secured the three match series 2-0 with one game to go. The final game is scheduled to be played at Christchurch on Thursday December 30. Like the previous game, it would be played under lights.
Playing on their own soil, New Zealand seem to have shaken the ghost of Subcontinent completely. In both wins, there has been a team effort and an all round performance. With no Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor has taken the reigns and has admirably turned the tables around. The team is now looking like a compact unit.

Peter McGlashan has been a welcome surprise with both bat and gloves. It has been a change of roles for James Franklin and Ross Taylor has led from the front after shaking off poor form. It would be interesting to see if New Zealand experiment with team combination or not.

Luke Woodcock and Nathan McCullum form a very able spin partnership supported by quicks Ian Butler, Kyle Mills and Tim Southee. The game itself might not be important but it may present an opportunity for the young players to shine. Jesse Ryder, one of the few Kiwi players who haven't fired in the series may get a chance to gain some confidence at Christchurch.

New Zealand have won three of their last five T20s

Pakistan, the touring side have never found New Zealand a hospitable environment, and the tradition continues. Pakistan have been struggling to find the right combination for the games. Shahid Afridi's dodgy form with the bat and Younis Khan's unspectacular return to the format has not helped.

Pakistan may try some changes in the final games as they desperately seek a consolation win to restore some pride. Pakistan spinners have done well but the pacemen have struggled to stop the flow of runs. A change in bowling setup for Thursday's game at Christchurch is on the cards. Pakistan selectors may consider playing an extra spinner for the final game.

Changing the batting lineup almost seems inevitable. Afridi's bowling tactics have been criticized by former players back home. There is little doubt that when Pakistan take the field on Thursday they would be feeling heat. Pakistani bowlers have expressed their dissatisfaction on sizes of grounds, Christchurch is bigger than the last two, but it also has a greener wicket. Fragile Pakistani batting lineup can get under stress from disciplined New Zealand bowling.
Pakistan have lost all five of their T20 matches recently.

Tag :- Daniel Vettori   Nathan McCullum   New Zealand   Pakistan   Tim Southee