NZ vs PAK Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? T20I series, Match 2

Pakistan got off to a poor start in their T20I series against New Zealand, losing the opening match by five wickets at the Eden Park in Auckland. Though their bowlers tried their heart out, it’s their batting department that flattered to deceive in relatively easy batting conditions.

The visitors lost wickets upfront and though skipper Shadab Khan came up with a cameo, Pakistan couldn’t get over the line after posting an under-par score. As far as the Black Caps are concerned, they had their moments of jitters as well, but, in the end, had the last laugh.

Ahead of their second game on Monday, December 20 at the Seddon Park in Hamilton, the Kiwis will have some of the key players, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, among others back and that should give them a lot of confidence. Pakistan, in the meantime, would be looking to make amends.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Hamilton has, traditionally, been a belter for batting. The average score of 181 at the venue shows that bowlers are going to have a tough day in the office. Teams might opt to chase simply because they will have a target in their sight.

The playing conditions will be sunny with the temperature around the 20 degrees Celsius mark. The humidity will mostly be in the high-50s.

Playing Combinations for NZ vs PAK

New Zealand

Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (WK), Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggelejin, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (C), Trent Boult

Bench– Todd Astle, Kyle Jamieson

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan (C), Wahab Riaz/Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Bench– Usman Qadir, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Muhammad Musa, Mohammad Hasnain/Wahab Riaz

Probable Top Performers for NZ vs PAK

Kane Williamson- New Zealand

Kane Williamson is one of the most under-rated cricketers in the T20 format. He doesn’t go for the ambitious strokes but makes sure that the scoreboard keeps moving. In 60 T20Is, he has 1,665 runs at an average and strike-rate of 32.64 and 125.18 respectively.

However, he hasn’t donned the national jersey in the format since January and it would be interesting to see how he steps up.

Haris Rauf- Pakistan

Haris Rauf has made an impressive start to his T20I career, having picked up 14 wickets from nine matches. In the previous game, he bowled with pace and venom. In the four overs he bowled, Rauf churned out the wickets of Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman.

Though the pacer was hit for four fours, he ensured that he didn’t allow the Kiwis’ batters to take him to the cleaners.

NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 22 | New Zealand Won – 9 | Pakistan Won – 13 | Tie/NR – 0

In New Zealand

Played – 10 | New Zealand Won – 6 | Pakistan Won – 4 | NR – 0

Average score: 181 (10 completed T20Is played in Hamilton)

Record of chasing teams: Won- 4 | Lost- 5 | Tie/NR – 1

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 07:00 PM local time, 11:30 AM IST

TV – No Live Telecast

Live Streaming – Fancode

The prediction is for New Zealand to win the match.

Disclaimer: This 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.