Pakistan vs New Zealand, PAK vs NZ, Today Match Prediction

pak vs nz Match Prediction & Analysis

Mark Chapman's remarkable hitting display led New Zealand to a resounding victory, securing a 2-2 T20I series tie against Pakistan. It was a terrific achievement by the severely depleted visiting Kiwi side against a full-strength Pakistan at home. The focus will now shift to the five-match ODI series beginning on the 27th of April at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. New Zealand did beat Pakistan on their home turf 2-1 in an ODI series earlier this year. However, most of their main players are currently playing in the IPL and hence the home side will begin as favorites. 

 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Pakistan Preview

Pakistan will be disappointed at not being able to seal the T20I series against New Zealand. They had their best squad at their disposal but fell short. However, they have a chance to make amends in the ODI series. 

This is an extremely balanced unit with plenty of solid options in both departments. Captain Babar Azam is expected to lead from the front. He’s the man in form for Pakistan, having amassed 647 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 73, and will pose the biggest challenge for the Kiwi bowlers in the series. It won’t be surprising if he ends up as the highest run-getter of the series.

Fakhar Zaman (375 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 37.50) is another batter to keep an eye out for. Mohammad Rizwan, who scored an unbeaten 98 off 62 balls in the final T20I, is likely to make an impact in the ODIs too.

Pakistan have plenty of superb bowling options for these pitches. Shaheen Shah Afridi will, of course, lead the pace attack. But it's young speedster Naseem Shah (18 wickets in his last 5 matches at an outstanding strike rate of 14.94) who could prove to be the real threat to the opposition. The spin of Mohammad Nawaz (17 wickets in the last 9 matches at an economy of 4.35) will be handy on this surface. 

 

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Haris Sohail, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir

Pakistan Actual Playing XI:

Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan

New Zealand Preview

By tying the T20I series 2-2, New Zealand have given themselves a massive shot in the arm. However, they have a bigger challenge up ahead in the ODIs. Without regulars like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Mitchell Santner, the visitors will have to punch above their weight to leave a mark.

Mark Chapman led the run-scoring charts in the T20I series, smashing 290 runs at an impressive strike rate of 165.71. He has been added to the ODI squad and will play a crucial role in the middle-order. 

Tom Latham will bring in all his experience and will have to lead from the front in the absence of the other experienced batters. Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell are the other two batters who can make an impact.

New Zealand’s bowling attack lacks experience but they can do the job as they showed in the T20I series. Matt Henry was the team’s most successful bowler in the series, picking up 6 wickets at an average of 14.66. He will lead the pace attack along with Adam Milne (4 wickets at an average of 29.75). In the spin department, the Kiwis can depend on the experience of Ish Sodhi to keep the runs in check.

 

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Tom Latham (c), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Tom Blundell (wk), Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, Blair Tickner, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has proved to be a batting paradise in recent times. It does offer some help to the seamers in the first few overs, but once the shine wears off from the ball, batters can dig in and make big runs.

The weather in Rawalpindi during the match is expected to be cloudy and pleasant.

Venue Details

The average score batting first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is 236 across 24 ODIs. However, recent matches have shown that the pitch has become exceptionally flat. This year, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has witnessed five of the highest team scores in the history of Pakistan Super League. With the boundaries being relatively short and the outfield being quick, it is highly likely that another high-scoring match is on the cards. Therefore, the team that bats first should aim to set a target of approximately 320 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

Teams generally prefer to chase these days in limited overs cricket, particularly in day-night games as dew helps the chasing side. The team winning the toss here is likely to bat second.