New Zealand vs Pakistan, NZ Tri Series 2022, Today Match Prediction 08 October 2022

nz vs pak Match Prediction & Analysis

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the tri-series after he fractured his finger. While the hosts will be concerned about his fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup, they have plenty of options in the all-rounders' department for this tri-series.

James Neesham will be roaring to go. The batting all-rounder has played some impressive cricket in domestic circuits around the world. Bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner is also a crucial part of the NZ bowling attack in T20 cricket. While he is handy with the bat, his spells in the middle overs help restrict the flow of runs.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh on the back of some impressive bowling performances from Mohammad Wasim Jr., Dahani, and Mohammad Nawaz. 

There is no doubt about Pakistan’s bowling strength, but their inconsistency in the middle order could become a serious issue going ahead. This match will be crucial from the perspective of finding other match-winners apart from Rizwan. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

New Zealand Preview

New Zealand have won 4 of their last T20I matches at home. In 2022, the Blackcaps have lost just 1 T20I so far. While the players must be confident coming into this tri-series, they haven’t had any tough competition this year.

NZ toured Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands for a T20I series before finishing a 2-1 series win in West Indies. Pakistan will be a worthy opponent NZ needs to play before they travel to Australia. Williamson will be looking to try out different combinations to find the perfect XI.

Mark Chapman is a promising young all-rounder who is likely to feature in the playing XI in this tri-series. He will be one to watch out for along with wicket-keeper batsman Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips. There is no dearth of big-hitting players in the NZ setup.

There are many batters who can step up and be a match-finisher for New Zealand. They always have their reliable skipper Kane Williamson in the middle order. The experience and current form of the veteran opener Martin Guptill will also be crucial for New Zealand.

The most threatening part of the NZ squad is the bowling attack. Southee, Boult, and the lightning-fast Ferguson will be a force to reckon with for Pakistan.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Blair Tickner, Finn Allen, Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, Kane Williamson, James Neesham, Tim Southee

Pakistan Preview

Pakistan started with a win against Bangladesh where the bowlers ensured the opposition never got on top of the game. A 168-run target may not seem big in a T20I, but Pakistan has a high-quality bowling attack that can make things interesting.

Shahanawaz Dahani, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Mohammad Nawaz shined with the ball as Pakistan defended a par total. However, this match against New Zealand will be the real test for the young Pakistan quicks. 

While Pakistan posted an above-average 1st innings total at this venue, the fact that Babar Azam scored 22 runs at a strike rate of 88.50 cannot be overlooked. What is even more concerning is how Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Asif Ali were dismissed cheaply.

The middle order of Pakistan has almost been invisible when it comes to making an impact. The middle-order batters go mostly unnoticed while Rizwan leads the Pakistan innings single-handedly almost every time.

Babar’s inconsistency would be like adding salt to the wounds. Shan Masood at number 3 is Pakistan’s best hope at the moment and will be a key player to watch out for against New Zealand.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani

Pakistan Actual Playing XI:

Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Haider Ali, Shan Masood, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

With pace and bounce off the surface, the pitch offers assistance for both batters and bowlers. The weather is expected to be sunny with a high of 16 degrees Celsius. 

Venue Details

The Hagley Oval in Christchurch will host all of the matches in this tri-series. While there haven’t been many high-scoring T20s at this ground, given the strength of both teams and the depth in their batting lineups, a 170+ score is on the cards.

Toss: To Bowl

Teams batting second and first at this venue have won an almost equal number of matches be it international or domestic T20s. While Pakistan managed to defend 168 in the 1st T20I of this tri-series, they would prefer to chase down a total if they win the toss in this game.