The final T20I of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place at Sky Stadium in Wellington. With the Blackcaps already securing a 3-1 lead in the five-match series, they will be aiming to finish with a dominant 4-1 scoreline. On the other hand, Pakistan will be looking to salvage some pride after suffering a heavy defeat in the previous game following their remarkable run-chase victory in the third T20I.
Before the fifth T20I kicks off, let’s take a look at the historical records of T20I matches played at Sky Stadium in Wellington. The pitch in Wellington has generally favored the pace bowlers, with teams losing the toss winning 11 out of the 16 T20Is played at the venue.
In the 16 T20I matches held at Sky Stadium, Wellington, teams batting first have won 7 games, while teams batting second have emerged victorious in 9 matches. The highest individual score recorded at the venue is 84 by Tim Seifert of New Zealand against India in 2019. The best bowling figures belong to Ashton Agar of Australia, who took 6/30 against New Zealand in 2021. The highest team total at the stadium is 219/6 by New Zealand against India in 2019, while the lowest team total is 101 by Pakistan against New Zealand in 2016. The highest successful run-chase at the venue is 216/4 by Australia against New Zealand in 2024, showcasing the potential for high-scoring matches at Sky Stadium.
The average first innings score at Sky Stadium in Wellington is 156, indicating that the pitch can provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Pakistan will be looking to improve their T20I record at the venue, especially after their dismal performance in 2016 when they were bowled out for just 101 runs by the Kiwis.
In the last T20I held at Sky Stadium, Wellington, Australia defeated New Zealand by six wickets in a thrilling encounter. The Blackcaps posted 215/3 in their 20 overs, but Australia managed to chase down the target with 216/4 on the last ball of the match. It was the highest successful run-chase in T20Is at the venue, with three batsmen scoring half-centuries during the match.
As the teams gear up for the final T20I at Sky Stadium in Wellington, all eyes will be on the pitch conditions and how both sides adapt to the challenges posed by the historic ground.
