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New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I Tips - World Cup preparations set to start with a bang

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

10 Jan 2024

Siddhu Bharadwaj 10 Jan 2024

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Will it be a clash of Babar vs Williamson as Pakistan take on New Zealand in the first T20I? (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I

New Zealand and Pakistan clash in a five-match T20I series with an eye on the upcoming World Cup and finalising their squad combinations. The first of those games will be played at the Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.

New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I
Head to Head
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News

Pakistan didn’t have too much joy on their recent tour to Australia, but there were signs that they are finding their feet. This format brings the best out of their players and with a new captain in the saddle, they are going to be a dangerous opponent for New Zealand. I am backing the visitors to start the series with a win.

New Zealand have lost 3 of their last 4 home matches against Pakistan (T20Is)
New Zealand have lost 8 of their last 12 matches at this venue, excluding two tied matches (T20Is)
Pakistan have won 7 of their last 10 matches against New Zealand (T20Is)
Kane Williamson has scored at least 40 in his last 4 matches (T20Is)

Head to Head

There have been 34 T20Is between New Zealand and Pakistan so far with the Kiwis winning 13 and the Green Caps winning 20. One game ended without any result.

The last time these sides played was in a five-game series in Pakistan in April last year. That series ended 2-2 with one match witnessing no result.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand were last seen in the series against Bangladesh at home in the month of December. That ended in a 1-1 result with the Kiwis lucky to have seen the second match washed out.

There are a number of changes to the Kiwis squad as they look to find the right personnel to take to the World Cup. Kane Williamson is back as captain while Devon Conway and Matt Henry return after contrasting breaks.

Rachin Ravindra is rested as the Kiwis look to find a combination around their current captain Williamson.

New Zealand Team News

Finn Allen or Tim Seifert could be sitting out of this match as New Zealand ponder over their best opening partnership. Ben Sears could be the one missing out in the bowling section.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan are coming off a 3-0 Test series defeat in Australia. The final score doesn’t tell the entire story as the Asian visitors had their chances multiple times throughout the series.

This series gives them a chance to get into the groove ahead of the World Cup action. New captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was rested from the third Test and will be a key man for Pakistan.

Last time Pakistan were on view in this format was when they played New Zealand at home last April. A separate team participated in the Asian Games but that’s discounted in our analysis.

Pakistan Team News

A 17-man strong squad has been named as Pakistan look to find the right combination. The likes of Zaman Khan, Abbas Afridi, Haseebullah Khan and others may have to wait for their opportunity.

New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I FAQs

Where can I watch the New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I live stream.

What time does New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I start?

This New Zealand vs Pakistan First T20I will be played at the Eden Park in Auckland on January 12, Friday starting at 12:40pm IST.

Verdict

New Zealand v Pakistan - 1st Twenty20 Match

It’s always fascinating to follow Pakistan, who can beat any team on their day. I am backing them here as they look fresh and could spring a surprise on the hosts who have been up and down with their recent form. Keep an eye on the market offering for Babar Azam, as the batter looks to redeem himself after a below-par Australian tour.