PAK vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win today’s 1st T20I match? – CricTracker

Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match T20I series on April 18 in Rawalpindi.

By CricTracker Staff

Published – 17 Apr 2024, 19:17 IST | Updated – 17 Apr 2024, 19:58 IST

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Pakistan-Team. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)00

Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) will square off in the first T20I of the five-game series on April 18, Thursday. Three months ago, Pakistan visited New Zealand and were thoroughly defeated by the Kiwis on their home turf. With Babar Azam being re-appointed as the white-ball captain, the hosts will be hoping for a change in their fortunes. They will be aiming to turn the tables and thrash the New Zealand team in their backyard this time around.

The Black Caps currently touring Pakistan have an inexperienced lineup, with most of their main players participating in the ongoing IPL 2024. The Kiwis will be aware of the quality of the side they are up against, but they will be fully prepared and come out all guns blazing. Despite the relative inexperience in their squad, they will be determined to give a tough fight to the hosts.

PAK vs NZ 2024 Match Details:

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions

The Pindi stadium is known for its flat pitches, which tend to produce high-scoring matches. The wickets at this ground also provide good bounce, which benefits the fast bowlers early in the matches and the slower bowlers as the game progresses. However, during the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament, the pitch conditions were more varied, with a mix of wicket types on offer. The team that wins the toss will look to bowl first. 

PAK vs NZ Head-to-Head Record:

PAK vs NZ Predicted Playing XIs:

Pakistan:

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:

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Tom Blundell (WK), Jacob Duffy, Ben Lister, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne

PAK vs NZ Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Babar Azam

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam could be the best batter in the first T20I against New Zealand. The star batter will be confident once again with the bat when he comes out to play against an in-experienced New Zealand bowling line-up. Azam was the highest-run scorer in the PSL 2024 which concluded last month. He scored 569 runs in 11 innings.  

Probable Best Bowler: Shaheen Afridi

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi could emerge as the best bowler in the upcoming clash against the Kiwis. Afridi who had a decent PSL will be looking to put past results behind him and will once again come hard at the batters and provide his side wickets early in the innings.

Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match

Scenario 1

Pakistan win the toss and opt to bowl

Powerplay score: 50-60

First innings score: 180-190

Pakistan win the match

Scenario 2

New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl

Powerplay score: 40-50

First innings score: 170-180

Pakistan win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

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