NZ vs PAK Match Prediction & Betting Tips - Jan 12, 2024
Pakistan continues its tour of the Southern Hemisphere and is now in the idyllic country of New Zealand. First up are the T20 internationals where both teams are playing a full-strength squad. The T20 World Cup is just over five months away and every match will build up to that. Let us have a look at both teams to find the best betting opportunities.
New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 Head to Head
The overall record in T20 cricket between New Zealand and Pakistan is heavily tilted towards the men in green. Pakistan has won 20 out of the 34 matches and lost just 13 with the remaining one being a no-result. The record becomes a lot more even if we look at the matches played in New Zealand. The home team has won 8 out of the 15 matches played against Pakistan.
New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 Series Live Streaming and Broadcast in India
The T20 series will be streamed live on Amazon Prime across India. There is no TV broadcaster for this series, unfortunately.
NZ vs PAK Team Previews
New Zealand
New Zealand has a full-strength team for this match with Matt Henry, Devon Conway, and Kane Williamson all available for selection. Lockie Ferguson is also a part of the squad but he will only play from the third match of the series.
This means that while New Zealand will be keen to test out a few different combinations, it is looking to win every single match. The batting is in good hands with Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Daryll Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips all a certainty to feature in the first match.
Mark Chapman may also be included in the lineup, depending on conditions, and with Mitchell Santner at 7, there is plenty of depth in the lineup. All of the players are capable of playing at a high strike-rate and don't necessarily put a very high price on their wicket in this format (which is a good thing).
The bowling attack will have Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and possibly Adam Milne. Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips are the two all-rounders that will help round out the bowling attack. The one remaining place could go to Ben Sears who is in the squad for the first two matches only.
An excellent lineup that is brilliant in the field, aggressive with the bat, and has a lot of experience with the ball. If anything, New Zealand might feel their pace-bowling combination can be expensive on off days.
New Zealand Playing 11
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears.
Pakistan
Pakistan impressed several watchers in the manner that it played against Australia even though it ended up losing the Test matches 3-0. It was honestly never expected to win any of those matches but it showed the willingness to take some tough decisions and bold initiatives.
We think that is what will happen in the T20 series as well. Reports suggest that Babar Azam may not open the batting and instead, Saim Ayub could get a chance with Mohammad Rizwan. Azam Khan has also been included in the lineup and could add some fantastic hitting prowess in the lower middle order.
With players like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Iftikhar Ahmed in the lineup, there is no shortage of players able to attack and take the game on. Getting the batting order right might be the more important question here.
The bowling attack is also absolutely stacked. Shaheen Afridi, Aamer Jamal, and Haris Rauf could all play in this match. Mohammad Wasim Jr is also in the squad and could play the role of the bowling all-rounder. Pakistan has also added Abrar Ahmed to the lineup with a view to strengthen its spin options.
We think this Pakistan squad is stronger than people are giving it credit for and could very easily end up surprising the New Zealand team.
Pakistan Playing 11
Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf.
NZ vs PAK Toss Prediction
The team that wins the toss is likely to field first. 14 out of the 25 matches played at Eden Park, Auckland have been won by the chasing team.
Read our guide on toss predictions to learn how we analyze and come up with our tips.
Pitch and Conditions
There is no rain forecast in Auckland on match day and that is a wonderful thing! We should have a full match to enjoy. As far as the pitch goes, expect a fast and bouncy wicket that will give the bowlers a chance while also allowing the batters to play freely.
The average score batting first is 170 while the highest score at this venue is 245. Off late, we have noticed that the bowlers get some help and the batters tend to aim a bit too high, causing them to fall short of even the par score.
NZ vs PAK Betting Tips
We think the odds being offered on Pakistan are quite attractive and worth a punt. New Zealand has lost 15 out of the 15 matches it has played against touring teams at Eden Park. Pakistan's pace attack and its strengthened batting lineup should give it a good chance to start with a win.
Bet on Pakistan to win.
Bonus Cricket Bets
We think the Over/Under line is very high and while a number of sixes are expected at this venue, we think you will be better off betting under 14.5 sixes to be hit. A relatively modest scoring match is not at all a rarity at Eden Park.
We think Iftikhar Ahmed is in excellent form and one of the most dependable players for Pakistan in this format. He has the game to clear the boundaries and is not afraid of the short ball either. He could get over 18.5 runs quite easily.
We like the odds for this betting market. Pakistan has some of the best T20 bowlers in the world and to be able to get them at a discount is a brilliant deal. Someone like Haris Rauf could be the game changer in this contest.
Who will win NZ vs PAK
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Match Predictions
Cricket Betting Tips
- Highest opening partnership - India W (1.55) and 1 more BANW vs INDW betting tip
- Total runs in the highest scoring over of the match - Over 22.5 (1.95) and 2 more MI vs SRH betting tips
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto to become the top batter. - 4.10 and 3 more BAN vs ZIM betting tips
- Delhi Capitals to win the toss - 1.90 and 4 more DC vs RR betting tips
We are eager to know what you think of our match predictions, if there is anything we can do better or if you want to let us know your own predictions for the match.