New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st T20I, 2018 - Match Prediction

The five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand was disappointingly lop-sided as it followed an uncompetitive script. For Pakistan, the dominant overwhelming performance in the ICC Champions Trophy and their sudden change in fortune, suffering a humiliating whitewash against the Kiwis has been an unexpected humbling experience. With the gear shifting to T20 cricket, the Pakistan team will be eyeing to earn back their lost spirit.

Thus far, the hosts have rattled the opposition and have not given any room to the visitors. Going into the T2o Internationals, New Zealand will be hoping to continue their bold stint, whereas Pakistan will wish to rewrite history and of course learn from the past. The first match between two nations will bring new hope, fortitude for healthy competitiveness, and excitement amongst fans.

The captaincy record and their head to head encounter put both teams favourite to go one up in the short three-match T20I series. Kiwi skipper, Kane Williamson has won 16 matches out of 26 he captained, and on the other hand, Sarfraz Khan has just lost two in 14 matches. Clearly, the pressure will be on both nations to put the best foot forward and be one ahead in the series.

Also read CricTracker’s preview of the match

Here is what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: New Zealand win the toss

Toss Prediction: New Zealand choose to bat first

First innings score prediction: 155-160

Result prediction: New Zealand win the match by 18 runs

Scenario 2: Pakistan win the toss

Toss Prediction: Pakistan choose to bat first

First innings score prediction: 150-160

Result prediction: New Zealand win the match by 5 wickets

Top Performer

Hasan Ali (Pakistan) | Ross Taylor (New Zealand)

Head To Head

Total Matches Played – 15, Pakistan won – 8, New Zealand won – 7, Tied/No Result – 0

New Zealand

The New Zealand team has been nothing short of phenomenal in the ODI format and interestingly, their T20 side is more or less the same. However, with T20 gear on they will look to add an extra batsman which eventually will help their side to play freely and score big. Also, Kiwis must pick at least 4 specialist bowlers and not depend on the batting all-rounders like Colin de Grandhomme to give them a full quota of 4 overs.

In the past, New Zealand openers have done really well and with this thought, they are most likely to go with Martin Guptill and man-in-form Colin Munro, followed by skipper Williamson and the dependable Ross Taylor. The bowling department is expected to be led by the experienced campaigner Tim Southee with the likes of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme, Glenn Phillips(wk), Tom Bruce, Mitchell Santner, Ben Wheeler, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Pakistan

The cricket pundits suggest, as the format shifts from 50-overs to T20, the competitiveness between two sides get almost equal, irrespective of the conditions and rankings. What adds the cherry to the cake for Pakistan is, they are known to produce some exceptional results regardless of the opposition and venue.

With this thought, Pakistan team is most likely to start with Fakhar Zaman and Ahmed Shehzad, followed by number three Babar Azam and Mohammed Hafeez. The wicketkeeper-batsman will try to be full monty if needed with Haris Sohail coming next.

More than the batting, it’s Pakistan’s bowling which has stood out. They might have lost the ODI series, but their bowlers have been lethal every time they stepped on the field. Pakistan’s pace attack will once again have a huge responsibility and it will be interesting to see if they can produce the expected results for their side. Shadab Khan who has been a revelation of sorts now also possesses the experience of playing the BBL and will add a lot of venom to this bowling attack.

Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk& C), Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Amir.

We think New Zealand will emerge victorious over Pakistan in this game.

Broadcast Details

TV: Star Sports Select 1, Star Sports Select HD 1

Online- Hotstar