Pakistan vs New Zealand in the UAE, 2018
Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st T20I |NZ vs PAK WHO WILL WIN
After steamrolling the Aussies 3-0 in the recently concluded T20I series, its time for the BlackCaps to face the Pakistani juggernaut as the tourists lock horns with the No.1 T20I side in the first T20I on Wednesday, October 31.
Pakistan has retained the same 15-member unit that beat the Aussies earlier this week as they aim to win their 11th T20I bilateral series in a row.
Under Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan has been imperious in the shortest format of the game and have won 26 of the 30 T20I under the wicket-keeper.
While Pakistan’s bowling has been the cornerstone of their success with the likes of Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali and the newcomer Shaheen Shah Afridi forming a fearsome attack, Babar Azam- the World’s No.1 T20I batsmen currently, has been the bedrock of their batting unit.
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In a series dominated by low totals, Azam consistently provided good starts for his side to emerge as the leading run-scorer of the series (163 runs at 81.50). Mohammad Hafeez was the other prolific run-scorer in the series. The all-rounder stiched valuable partnerships with Azam to provide Pakistan with an ideal platform for the middle-order, which remains the only area for the hosts to address ahead of the series.
Pakistan’a middle-order against Australia
- Shoaib Malik- 32 runs at 16.00
- Hasan Ali- 17 runs at 17.00
- Faheem Ashraf- 17 runs at 8.50
In all the three matches, Pakistan’s middle-order failed to cash-in on the platform set by their top-order, a weakness which can be exploited by a more potent Kiwi outfit.
It has been eight months since New Zealand played an International match, yet their players have largely been involved in various franchise tournaments around the world.
Despite missing Trent Boult (paternity leave), Mitchell Santner (knee injury), the Kiwis will look to exploit Pakistan’s fragile middle-order courtsey Ish Sodhi and the uncapped Ajaz Patel, who has been called up to the squad after an impressive showing in the recently concluded ‘A’ series against Pakistan.
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New Zealand will also miss the services of swashbuckling opening batter Martin Guptill. Guptill has been sidelined for the UAE tour due to a calf strain. Guptill’s spot will be taken up by Glenn Phillips, who has impressed in the recently concluded CPL and Pakistan A series where he plundered two half-centuries in the T20 series.
All-rounder Corey Anderson also returns to the squad after a strong showing in the T20 series and also during his stint with Somerset in the 2018 Vitality Blast.
Match Details
Venue:- Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
When:- Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 09:30 PM IST
Read on for NZ vs PAK Team News & NZ vs PAK Playing 11
New Zealand
Kane Williamson (c), Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Ajaz Patel, Mark Chapman, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips (wk)
Pakistan:-
Sarfraz Ahmed (c, wk), Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Ali, Hassan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik, Waqas Maqsood, Usman Khan Shinwari, Hussain Talat, Imad Wasim
Here’s how the teams’ may shape-up ahead of the first T20I:-
New Zealand
Wicket-keeper – Glenn Phillips
Batsmen – Kane Williamson, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor
All-rounders – Colin de Grandhomme, Corey Anderson
Bowlers – Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Ajaz Patel
Pakistan
Wicket-keeper – Sarfraz Ahmed
Batsmen – Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Asif Ali
All-rounders –Faheem Ashraf, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim
Bowlers – Hasan Ali, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shadab Khan
Wicket-keeper – Glenn Phillips is coming off two half-centuries in the recently concluded A series against Pakistan. With him opening the batting, he is an ideal pick for your Dream11 team.
Batsmen – Babar Azam, with 163 runs at 81.50 was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s success in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia. From New Zealand, you may opt for Kane Williamson, Colin Munro and Ross Taylor, all of whom are coming off a good run in various franchise tournaments around the world.
All-rounders –Mohammad Hafeez (111 runs at 55.50), Imad Wasim (4 wickets at 15.25) had a stellar series against Australia while Corey Anderson is coming off decent performances in the 2018 Vitality Blast.
Bowlers – Shadab Khan (6 wickets at 10.83), Hasan Ali (3 wickets at 20.66) were the spearheads with the bowl for Pakistan against the Aussies. From New Zealand, you may opt for the likes of Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi or the uncapped Ajaz Patel, who had a great run in the recently concluded New Zealand A series.
Team 01 & 02
This NZ vs PAK Dream11 prediction is based on news sourced from various sources. We suggest you pick your playing 11 from the squad listed above basis NZ vs PAK team news. Kindly revisit before the deadline to get the final update of the NZ vs PAK Dream11 Prediction. Also, hit the bell icon on the bottom right side of your screen to get all the latest Dream11 prediction updates.