Pakistan | Source: Twitter
PAK vs NZ: New Zealand will lock horns against Pakistan in the 1st T20I of the New Zealand tour of Pakistan, 2024 on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Taking part in a five-match T20I series against the Kiwis earlier this year, Pakistan ended up on the losing side, with a 1-4 series defeat. This outcome led to the reshuffle of leadership, with Babar Azam reclaiming the captaincy from Shaheen Afridi.
Pakistan’s out for payback after that series loss, especially now that they’re back to full strength. With fast bowling legends Mohammed Amir and Imad Wasim back in the squad, both coming out of retirement to prove themselves for the T20 World Cup 2024.
On the other hand, the New Zealand squad will be missing key players such as Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson, all of whom are tied up with IPL 2024 commitments. Also, Tim Southee and Colin Munro have made themselves available for the series.
Captain Michael Bracewell and a crop of emerging talents from the Black Caps are set to make their mark in this series, aiming to step up in the absence of key players. Alongside Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, and Jimmy Neesham will provide the seasoned guidance.
Here’s your comprehensive guide for the PAK vs NZ match with all the necessary information, including match details, pitch report, probable playing 11 and squads of Pakistan and New Zealand, player records, stats, and Dream11 predictions for the fantasy teams of the 1st T20I of the New Zealand tour of Pakistan, 2024.
PAK vs NZ Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st T20I
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM (IST) | 2:30 PM (GMT) | 7:30 PM (Local)
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Pitch Report For PAK vs NZ, 1st T20I
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is a dream for batsmen, setting the stage for a high-scoring encounter. With Pakistan fielding a powerhouse lineup with some explosive hitters, we can expect a run-fest. However, considering the T20 history here, the toss-winning team might prefer to bowl first, given the chasing success rate.
Pitch Stats of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi For PAK vs NZ, 1st T20I
Total matches: 5
Matches won batting first: 0
Matches won bowling first: 4
No Result: 1
Average 1st Inns scores: 155
Average 2nd Inns scores: 154
Highest total recorded: 194/4 (19.2 Ov) by NZ vs PAK
Highest score chased: 194/4 (19.2 Ov) by NZ vs PAK
Probable Playing XI For PAK vs NZ, 1st T20I
Pakistan Playing XI
Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Azam Khan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi.
New Zealand Playing XI
Michael Bracewell (C), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Tom Blundell (WK), Jacob Duffy, Ben Lister, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne.
Stats of Pakistan & New Zealand Form in Last 5 Matches
PAK vs NZ Captaincy Picks For 1st T20I Between Pakistan vs New Zealand
Babar Azam
Jimmy Neesham
Jimmy Neesham
PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction – Fantasy Team Suggesting For 1st T20I
Pakistan vs New Zealand – Fantasy Team 1
Wicket-Keeper: Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Babar Azam, Mark Chapman, Fakhar Zaman
All-Rounders: Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Shadab Khan
Bowlers: Ish Sodhi, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah
Captain: Babar Azam
Vice-Captain: Jimmy Neesham
Pakistan vs New Zealand – Fantasy Team 2
Wicket-Keeper: Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Babar Azam, Mark Chapman, Fakhar Zaman
All-Rounders: Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan
Bowlers: Ish Sodhi, Shaheen Afridi
Captain: Jimmy Neesham
Vice-Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
PAK vs NZ Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Pakistan is expected to win this match.
PAK vs NZ 1st T20I Live Streaming and Broadcast, Where to Watch?
Online Streaming: JioCinema
TV Broadcast: Sports18
Disclaimer: The composition of this fantasy team is built upon the author’s understanding, analysis, and intuition, this team is offered as a reference for your fantasy game selection and serves as an example. Keep the mentioned points in mind when forming your fantasy team and exercise your own judgment.