Pakistan and New Zealand clash in a T20I series!
PAK Vs NZ – This five-match series is a warm-up for both teams before the T20 World Cup later this year. Pakistan boasts a full-strength squad with stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. New Zealand, however, is missing key players due to the IPL. Michael Bracewell leads a squad focused on fringe players.
Pakistan seeks redemption after their 4-1 defeat in New Zealand earlier this year. This series offers a chance to experiment with team combinations. All eyes will be on Pakistan’s Naseem Shah, returning after a break, and veterans Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, making their comebacks after retirement.
PAK Vs NZ: Weather/Pitch Report
There’s a chance of rain dampening the T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand tonight! Forecasts predict a 35% chance of showers in the evening, when the game is happening. Despite the potential rain, the temperature should be comfortable at around 21°C, with moderate humidity (72%) and a light breeze (14 km/h).
Ditch the flat pitch reputation! Here’s what to expect for the T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand at Rawalpindi Stadium:
- Bowler-friendly pitch: This surface favors bowlers, especially spinners, who can exploit the slow nature of the wicket with their variations.
- Early swing for pacers: Fast bowlers will have an advantage early on with some swing available. However, they’ll need to mix things up by varying their pace to stay effective.
- Batsmen’s challenge: High scoring might be difficult. Batsmen will need to focus on rotating the strike and building their innings patiently in the middle overs.
PAK Vs NZ: Predicted Playing XI
Pakistan
Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (C), FK Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, IM Wasim, SH Khan, S Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir
New Zealand
Tom Blundell, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), MS Chapman, D Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell (C), James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, AF Milne, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke
PAK Vs NZ: Captain/Vice-Captain Picks
- Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (WK) – A reliable batsman familiar with the Rawalpindi pitch. His ability to handle spin on slow tracks makes him crucial for Pakistan’s batting success. He’ll also be vital behind the stumps.
- New Zealand: Mark Chapman (ALL) – Stole the show when these teams last met in a T20I series in Pakistan. This left-handed batsman adapts well to Asian conditions and thrives against spin. Expect him to be aggressive against the Pakistani bowling attack.
- New Zealand: Ish Sodhi (BOWL) – A wicket-taking leg-spinner who could exploit the middle order of the Pakistani batting lineup, where players might struggle against his spin. His experience can be a major advantage for New Zealand.
PAK Vs NZ: Top Player Picks
- Babar Azam (BAT): The skipper is back! After relinquishing captaincy, Babar can now focus on his batting prowess. Expect him to lead from the front with a dominant batting performance.
- Iftikhar Ahmed (ALL): This versatile player offers a two-pronged attack. He can anchor the innings batting higher in the order, or switch gears and be a powerful finisher. Additionally, his part-time bowling provides valuable support.
- Shaheen Afridi (BOWL): Captaincy-free, Shaheen can unleash his full potential as a bowling spearhead. His lethal pace with the new ball has the ability to dismantle the opposition’s batting line-up early on.
- Ben Sears (BOWL): Keep an eye on this young gun! Ben Sears, a right-arm pacer, is making a name for himself. He can swing the ball early, unleash bouncers in the death overs, and maintain a high pace to challenge the batsmen. He’s been impressive in 2024 and could be a force to be reckoned with.
- Azam Khan (WK): Remember that name! Azam Khan exploded in the PSL 2024 and impressed everyone with his batting in New Zealand’s backyard earlier this year. Playing at home, this aggressive batsman is poised to continue his fiery form.
- William O’Rourke (BOWL): The understudy! William O’Rourke, a promising spinner, might provide backup to Ish Sodhi. His primary role will be to control the flow of runs and be economical. However, if the batsmen get adventurous, he has the potential to pick up wickets. This match could be a valuable learning experience for him.
Dream11, Team 1, Small League & H2H
PAK Vs NZ
Wicket-keepers: Tim Seifert, Mohamamd Rizwan
Batters: Babar Azam, Mark Chapman, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub
All-rounders: James Neesham, M Bracewell, Shadab Khan
Bowlers: Ish Sodhi, Naseen Shah
Captain First-Choice: Saim Ayub || Captain Second-Choice: Mohamamd Rizwan
Vice-Captain First-Choice: James Neesham || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Tim Seifert
Dream11, Team 2, Grand League
PAK Vs NZ
Wicket-keepers: Tim Seifert, Mohamamd Rizwan, Tom Blundell
Batters: Babar Azam, Mark Chapman, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub
All-rounders: James Neesham, M Bracewell
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah
Captain First-Choice: Babar Azam || Captain Second-Choice: Fakhar Zaman
Vice-Captain First-Choice: M Bracewell || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Mark Chapman
Who Could Win?
With a full-strength squad boasting big names like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan goes into this match as the clear favorites. New Zealand, missing key players due to the IPL, faces an uphill battle. Given this advantage for Pakistan, our prediction leans towards a Pakistani victory in the first T20I.
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