On Friday, March 21, 2025, the third T20 International of the five‑match series unfolded at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. In a stunning chase, Pakistan cricket team slashed the target of 207 runs in just 16 overs, winning by nine wickets and breathing life into a series that had seemed destined for a whitewash. The win not only halted New Zealand’s 2‑0 lead but also set the stage for a dramatic finale in the remaining two matches.

Series Background

Pakistan arrived on the tour with a skinny record: they had dropped the first two games, the opener by a convincing 56‑run margin and the second, rain‑shortened match in Dunedin, by five wickets. Agha Salman, captain of Pakistan cricket team, acknowledged the pressure in the dressing room, saying, “We can’t afford another loss; the whole tour hinges on today.”

New Zealand, meanwhile, entered the third T20I with confidence. Their squad, though missing fast‑bowler Kyle Jamieson after he was rested for the second game, had been firing on all cylinders. The New Zealand side had already posted a 204‑run total at Eden Park, a score that historically proves difficult to chase on this venue.

Match Summary

Winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat first. Opening bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi made early inroads, claiming the wicket of the New Zealand opener in the third over. However, a partnership between veteran batsman and aggressive finisher pushed the score past 150 runs with ease. The innings concluded at 204 for 10, falling just shy of the 207‑run benchmark that had stood as a challenging chase at Eden Park.

Pakistan’s reply was a textbook display of power hitting and strategic pacing. Opening duo Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf put on a quick 45‑run stand, and by the 6th over the required run‑rate had dipped below eight runs per ball. The decisive blow came when Shaheen Shah Afridi smashed a six off the fourth ball of the 14th over, sealing a 207‑1 finish with 4.3 overs to spare.

Key Performances

• Shaheen Shah Afridi – 2/30 in 4 overs, then 62* off 38 balls in the chase.
• Shadab Khan – 1/28, 30 runs off 18 balls.
• Haris Rauf – 1/25, 24 runs off 13 balls.
• New Zealand’s top‑order – 84 runs for the first wicket, a record partnership at Eden Park.

The all‑round display from Afridi was the headline, earning him the Player of the Match award and convincing doubters that the Pakistani bowling attack could still dominate in the conditions.

Streaming Options in India

For Indian cricket fans, the match was accessible via two official platforms. Sony LIV carried the live video feed on both its website and mobile app, while FanCode offered a parallel stream with real‑time commentary, ball‑by‑ball statistics, and interactive polls. FanCode’s app, seated on the 18th floor of One BKC in Bandra East, Mumbai, boasts more than 10 million downloads and an average rating of 4.2 stars, according to the platform’s latest press release.

Unofficial streams also surfaced on YouTube, notably the “Iqbal Sports” channel, which provided Hindi commentary. The channel’s description included a Telegram link (t.me/iqbalsports) for business inquiries, but the official streams remained the only legally sanctioned options.

Implications for the Series

The victory trimmed New Zealand’s lead to 2‑1, making the fourth and fifth fixtures genuine do‑or‑die encounters. Analysts pointed out that the win could swing momentum in Pakistan’s favour, especially given the psychological boost of beating a side on its home turf. Former New Zealand coach Gary Stewart remarked, “Pakistan showed they can adapt fast. If they keep this intensity, the series could go either way.”

For New Zealand, the loss highlighted a vulnerability in defending high totals on Eden Park’s unpredictable pitch, where boundary sizes vary dramatically from one side to another. The team’s coaching staff hinted at tweaking their bowling rotations for the next match, possibly bringing in the rested fast‑bowler to exploit the swing‑friendly conditions.

Future Outlook

The tour continues with the fourth T20I scheduled for March 24 at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, followed by a final showdown in Christchurch on March 27. Both venues present distinct challenges: Basin Reserve’s smaller ground favors batsmen, while Christchurch’s shorter boundaries could benefit big‑hitters. Fans can expect the same streaming arrangements in India, with Sony LIV and FanCode retaining exclusive rights.

Beyond the series, the result could influence the ICC rankings. Pakistan’s win adds valuable points that may edge them closer to the top‑five, while New Zealand risks slipping if they lose the next two matches. The cricketing world will be watching closely, especially with the 2026 World T20 already on the horizon.