Pakistan has suffered another setback in the fifth T20I against New Zealand, losing Usman Khan as their fourth wicket at 43/4 in 7.5 overs.

The team is struggling to build momentum after opting to bat first, with their run rate hovering at 5.48. Skipper Agha Salman remains at the crease, scoring 12 off 9 balls, while Pakistan's middle order now carries the responsibility of stabilizing the innings.

Earlier, Mohammad Haris (11 off 17) and Omair Yousuf (7 off 11) fell cheaply, both caught behind off Jacob Duffy, who has been the standout bowler with figures of 3-0-13-2.

Ish Sodhi joined the attack and struck immediately, removing Usman Khan for 7 along with Ben Sears (2-0-13-1) leading the attack.

With key middle-order players like Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad yet to bat, Pakistan will need a strong partnership to push their projected total beyond 145 and challenge the hosts.

New Zealand has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the final T20I against Pakistan in Wellington.

Surprisingly, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been dropped from the playing XI after struggling in the series.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufyan Moqim, Mohammad Ali

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke

Match preview:

Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the fifth and final T20 International of the ongoing series at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wednesday.

Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan have already lost the series after dropping three of the first four matches. The visitors will aim to finish the tour on a positive note with a win in the final encounter.

New Zealand, despite the absence of several senior players, have displayed strong performances across all departments. The BlackCaps will look to extend their winning momentum ahead of the ODI series.

As both teams prepare for the contest, here’s a look at the pitch conditions at Sky Stadium.

Sky Stadium, Wellington – Ground Stats

• Matches Played: 16

• Matches won batting first: 7

• Matches won bowling first: 9

• Average 1st innings score: 165.75

• Average 2nd innings score: 140.25

• Average run rate: 8.22

• % of wickets by pacers: 61.90

• % of wickets by spinners: 38.09

Sky Stadium, Wellington – Pitch Report

The pitch at Sky Stadium is expected to offer early movement for fast bowlers, particularly with the new ball. The windy conditions in Wellington could assist seamers in generating swing, making the initial overs crucial for top-order batters.

As the game progresses, the pitch is likely to provide good pace and bounce, favouring stroke play. Batters who survive the early movement can capitalise later in the innings.

Spinners are unlikely to find much assistance from the surface. With chasing teams winning nine of the 16 T20Is played at this venue, the toss-winning captain may opt to field first.