PAK vs NZ Match Preview
Pakistan possesses a formidable batting order to rely on. Babar Azam will lead the charge and is expected to open alongside Saim Ayub. Usman Khan and Mohammad Rizwan are anticipated to bat at number 3 and number 4 respectively.
This transition will necessitate a shift in batting strategy for Mohammad Rizwan.
The team boasts quality all-rounders such as Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Irfan Khan, providing depth to the batting line-up. Additionally, Imad Wasim can be included in this group of players.
Pakistan's bowling attack is spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah with Mohammad Amir as the first change bowler. Abrar Ahmed is likely to be the primary spinner for the team.
While there are numerous talented options available, Pakistan must focus on placing the right players in the correct positions. Furthermore, the entire squad must embrace a modern T20 cricket mindset to succeed.
The Black Caps have a talent for exceeding expectations and we can anticipate a strong challenge from the visiting team. Tim Robinson, who recently made his international debut, unfortunately got bowled out for zero before the match was abandoned due to rain. He will have another opportunity to open the batting alongside Tim Seifert and will aim to make amends. Similar to their opponents, New Zealand possesses some skilled all-rounders in the likes of Dean Foxcroft, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, and Josh Clarkson.
Although not regular internationals, these players have ample experience playing in T20 leagues.
Does Pakistan possess enough power and depth in their lineup to pose a challenge to New Zealand? We believe not. While they may have players who attack aggressively, we do not foresee them dominating extended periods of play. The Kiwi bowling attack also faces certain challenges.
Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, and Ben Lister are expected to be the three seamers in the team. They have limited experience playing in the subcontinent and are likely to struggle against Pakistan's strong batting lineup. Ish Sodhi could prove valuable during the middle overs, but he is the only high-quality spinner in the team.
Weather Report
The weather is likely to be cloudy with temperatures of around 20 degrees.
Pitch Report
The new-ball bowlers can expect some swing as well. The average first-inning score in the 5 T20 matches played here is around 155 but the team batting first will aim for the 180-run mark, as it does get easier to bat during the second half.
Notable stats
Mohamamd Rizwan: MVP
Mohammad Rizwan is in excellent form of late. In his last 7 matches, he has scored 282 runs at an average of 70.50 and a strike rate of 139.6.
Team News
Both teams have fully fit squads available for selection.
PAK vs NZ Probable 11
PAK Playing 11
- Babar Azam (C)
- Saim Ayub
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wk)
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Irfan Khan
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Amir
- Abrar Ahmed
- Usman Khan
NZ Playing 11
- Tim Seifert (Wk)
- Tim Robinson
- Dean Foxcroft
- Michael Bracewell (C)
- Mark Chapman
- Josh Clarkson
- James Neesham
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
- Ben Lister
- Ben Sears
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing Pakistan to win this match. The team has a perfect balance of players and with the kind of firepower they possess, it will be pretty difficult to beat them, especially under home conditions. The Black Caps will be high on intent but are no match for their opponents, given the limited international experience of most players.
Top Picks
Shaheen Afridi: Currently Pakistan’s best fast bowler, Afridi has picked up 12 wickets in his last 7 outings at a strike rate of 11.83.
Shadab Khan: Shadab Khan has scored 569 runs in T20 internationals and has also picked up 104 wickets.
Michael Bracewell: Bracewell has picked up 21 wickets in his T20 career and has also scored 113 runs.
PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: M Rizwan, T Seifert
Batters: B Azam (C), S Ayub
All-rounders: S Khan (VC), J Neesham, M Bracewell, I Ahmed, D Foxtrot
Bowlers: S Afridi, N Shah
