The Australians are coming but before New Zealand can go to war against them they have one last battle to overcome which is the final ODI against Pakistan. That takes place in Auckland on Sunday, or the late hours of Saturday UK time.
After a comfortable win in the first ODI before a washed out second game New Zealand know a win here will keep up their record of winning every series they have played in home conditions this summer but Pakistan head to Auckland, the scene of their only win on this tour so far, knowing they can leave with a share of the spoils should they win this match.
New Zealand have battled injuries throughout the summer so far and they appear to have picked up even more since the opening game which is far from ideal. Mitchell McClenaghan is definitely out but now talk is out that Martin Guptill might have to miss this game having gone over on his ankle on the eve of the match.
On the bright side Brendon McCullum has recovered from his back injury and is set to regain his place at the top of the order. BJ Watling replaces Luke Ronchi which is a strange one but Ronchi won’t be missed too much on form.
Pakistan have had three abject batting performances but they certainly weren’t that when they were here in the T20. They batted and bowled quite brilliantly on this ground earlier in the tour and if they can repeat that here they will give themselves every chance of getting something out of the series.
There was talk before the washed out game that Shoaib Malik could return to the Pakistan side and unless he has suffered a relapse it would make sense for that to happen to bolster their batting in what is likely to be a high scoring game.
Eden Park in Auckland ends Pakistan’s tour just like it hosted the start of it. This ground is no stranger to limited overs internationals and just 10 months ago a World Cup semi-final was here which New Zealand won.
That was the 72nd ODI on this ground and in all New Zealand have a losing record here. They have won 31 and lost 34 at this venue while Pakistan have a slight 5-4 winning record which could give them a bit of added confidence going into this match.
Usually I’m reluctant to take sides in the match betting without knowing who is batting second because this ground can be impossible to defend but the fact Pakistan defended a moderate total here in the World Cup against South Africa and also in the T20 against New Zealand earlier on the tour gives me more confidence.
Pakistan seem to play well on this ground which is certainly no bad thing and they’re a little overpriced here given the quality of their attack. If they can just put up a significant total and the absence of McClenaghan and the addition of Malik will help in that regard, they can take this one.
Back Pakistan to win 3rd ODI for a 3/10 stake at 3.00 with Bet365
