On April 18, at Rawalpindi, Pakistan will play New Zealand in the opening Twenty20 International of the five-match series.
On Thursday, April 18, Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) will play the opening Twenty20 International of the five-game series. When Pakistan visited New Zealand three months ago, they were soundly thrashed on their own soil by the Kiwis. The home team will be aiming for a turnaround in their results with the reappointment of Babar Azam as the white-ball skipper. This time, they want to flip the script and destroy the New Zealand team in their own backyard.
While on tour in Pakistan, the Black Caps’ starting lineup is inexperienced because the majority of its key players are competing in the ongoing IPL 2024. Although the Kiwis will be completely aware of the caliber of the opposition, they will be ready and aggressive from the start. They will be determined to put up a strong fight against the hosts despite the relative inexperience in their team.
The conditions and pitch report of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The flat pitches of the Pindi stadium are well-known for producing high-scoring games. Additionally, this ground’s wickets have strong bounce, which helps both slower bowlers later in the game and fast bowlers early in the match. However, the pitch conditions and available wicket types were more diversified during the most recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) competition. The side that gets tossing will attempt to bowl first.
New Zealand versus Pakistan The following are Pakistan’s predicted playing XIs: Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, and Barbar Azam (c).Brand-new Zealand:
Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne, Michael Bracewell (c), Ben Lister, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy
New Zealand versus Pakistan Most likely Top Achievers
Most Likely Batter:
Babar Azam In the opening Twenty20 International against New Zealand, he might be the best batsman. When he takes the field against a young New Zealand bowling unit, the top batsman will feel assured once more with the bat. The PSL 2024, which ended last month, saw Azam score the most runs. 11 innings and 569 runs scored by him.
Most Likely to Bowl First: Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi: In the forthcoming match against the Kiwis, he might prove to be the most effective bowler. Having had a respectable PSL season, Afridi will be trying to move on from his previous performances. He will attack the hitters once more and get his team wickets early in the innings.
Case 1: Pakistan decides to bowl after winning the toss.
Powerplay rating: 50–60
Score in the first inning: 180–190
Pakistan prevails in the encounter.
Scenario 2: New Zealand chooses to bowl after winning the toss.
Powerplay rating: 40–50
Score in the first inning: 170-180
Pakistan prevails in the encounter.
Disclaimer: The author’s understanding, analysis, and intuition are the foundations of this prediction. Take into account the points raised and come to your own conclusion while making your prediction.
