Pakistan vs New Zealand 2018, 2nd T20I – Dream11 Fantasy Tips

New Zealand came close to breaking Pakistan’s winning streak as they lost the game by one two runs in the first of the three-match T20I series. The Kiwis are desperate to end their struggles in the T20I format having won only one of their last eight T20Is. They have not played any International cricket prior to this tour in the last seven months. After the loss in the first T20I, New Zealand need to take a few big decisions.

Tim Southee has become a liability in the Kiwi bowling attack for a while now but has been playing just because of his experience. He could be left out for Lockie Ferguson given how Adam Milne worked with his pace in the first game. Corey Anderson’s struggles against spin have been exposed from the moment he featured in the IPL. New Zealand might not yet risk keeping him out of the side but it is high time for the all-rounder to work on his batting as his bowling isn’t adding any value at the moment.

The visiting team can also bring in Mark Chapman who is a good player of spin. On the other hand, Pakistan don’t have a selection headache at the moment. With Zaman being injured, Sahibzada Farhan will continue to open. They are expected to back the 19-year-old pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi despite a poor outing in the first game.

Match Details:

The second T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand will be hosted by the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The match starts at 8:00 PM local time (4:00 PM GMT) (9:30 PM IST).

Last five T20I matches:

Pakistan: W, W, W, W, W.

New Zealand: L, L, L, W, L.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Dubai Stadium witnessed scores between 130 and 150 in the two games played during the T20I series between Pakistan and Australia. Compared to the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, the ground in Dubai is a relief for the batsmen at least due to the boundary size. However, yet another T20I game with moderate scores is expected in Dubai.

Squads:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Faheem Ashraf.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Mark Chapman, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Glenn Phillips, Ajaz Patel.

Probable XI:

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi / Usman Khan.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Ross Taylor, Mark Chapman/Tim Seifert, Corey Anderson, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel.

Power Picks:

Pakistan backed Asif Ali to come out good by promoting him to No.3. The move might be persisted with given Ali’s hitting skills, especially against the Pacers. Adam Milne could be a handy pick in this game given his pace is troubling the Pakistan batsmen.

Best Playing XI:

Sarfraz Ahmed, Glenn Phillips, Kane Williamson, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Colin Munro, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Babar Azam and Kane Williamson might have failed in the first game but their consistency in this format deserves a multiplier option. Colin Munro can also be a contender for a multiplier option. With Mohammad Hafeez’s bowling being an added advantage, he can be made the captain given the fact that he walks out to bat at No.3. Leg-spinners Shadab Khan and Ish Sodhi can be considered for vice-captain’s role.

Expert Advice:

Shaheen Shah turned out to be expensive in the previous game but is expected to be backed by the team and play ahead of Usman Khan. Corey Anderson has always struggled against spinners which makes him an avoidable option on the UAE tracks.

Probable Winners:

Pakistan could once again edge out New Zealand as they have been used to playing T20I format on these slower tracks.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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