Pakistan vs New Zealand, PAK vs NZ, Today Match Prediction 17 April 2023

pak vs nz Match Prediction & Analysis

Host Pakistan will be looking to continue their excellent form in the T20I series when they take on New Zealand in the third game played at Lahore on Monday.

In the second game, Pakistan managed to register a comfortable win over New Zealand, courtesy splendid ton from Babar Azam. The home will be looking to maintain their standards with bat and ball and clinch the T20I series on Monday.

On the other hand, New Zealand once again were completely outplayed by Pakistan in all three departments. Captain Tom Latham will have to lead from the front with the bat in order for New Zealand to stage a comeback in this T20I series.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Pakistan Preview

The home side won’t make any changes after registering comfortable victories in the first two matches of the T20I series.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, skipper Babar Azam, veteran batter Iftikhar Ahmed, rookie Saim Ayyub and Fakhar Zaman to deliver the bulk of the runs.

In 2nd T20I, Babar Azam showed excellent form with the bat and notched up his third century for Pakistan in the T20 Format. He scored unbeaten 101 runs off 58 balls with the help of eleven fours and three sixes. He was well supported by wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, who scored half-century off 34 balls with the help of six fours and one six.

Veteran Iftikhar Ahmed smashed quick-fire 33 off 19 balls to help Pakistan post a daunting total on the board in their allotted overs.

In the bowling department, the side will be depending on the likes of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zaman Khan, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan to provide crucial breakthroughs in this fixture.

Pacer Haris Rauf has shown excellent form with the ball in this T20I series. With eight wickets to his name, Rauf is currently leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in this series. In the previous match, Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Green Shirts and claimed 4 for 27 in his four overs.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

Pakistan Actual Playing XI:

Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan

New Zealand Preview

The BlackCaps could make one change as Blair Tickner could come in place of Ben Lister for this must-win encounter.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Will Young, rookie Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Captain Tom Latham, all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham to deliver notable scores in this must-win game.

In the previous match, Mark Chapman produced a valiant innings for New Zealand and scored unbeaten 65 off 40 balls with the help of four boundaries and four sixes. Besides Chapman, Chad Bowes showed decent form with the bat and scored 26 runs off 24 balls.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Blair Tickner, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, James Neesham and Matt Henry to deliver crucial breakthroughs.

In the 2nd T20I, pacer Matt Henry was the standout performer for New Zealand and claimed 2 for 29 in his four overs.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Tom Latham (c & wk), Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Cole McConchie, Henry Shipley, Matt Henry, Ben Lister/Blair Tickner

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

Tom Latham, Benjamin Lister, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Chad Bowes, James Neesham, Daryl Mitchell

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The wicket prepared for the match at Gaddafi Stadium is expected to be full of runs for the batting units. The weather forecast for Monday’s match is going to be clear skies with humidity around 25%.

Venue Details

Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore is going to host the third match of the T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Toss: To Bat

Both the sides will be looking to win the toss, bat first and post a score in excess of 195 runs. The first two matches played at Gaddafi Stadium have been won by side batting first.