Following a comprehensive win by 88 runs in the first T20I, Pakistan (PAK) host New Zealand (NZ) in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, April 15. After posting a competitive score of 182 runs, Pakistan’s bowling unit ripped through the Kiwis’ line-up as they were dismissed for a meagre 94 runs.
Mark Chapman top-scored for the side as he got 34 runs to his name; however, he found little to no help from the rest of the unit in the chase. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf was at his lethal best, getting four scalps to his name, whereas Imad Wasim got two in the contest.
New Zealand will look to have an improved outing as they play the home side just a day after their loss. On the other hand, Pakistan will look to extend their lead in the five-match T20I series with another win in the second T20I.
PAK vs NZ Match Details:
Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I Match, New Zealand tour of Pakistan 2023
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date & Time: April 15, 09:30 PM IST
Broadcast and Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv App & Website
PAK vs NZ Pitch Report:
The wicket at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is a batting-friendly surface in recent times. The pacers are likely to get some help with the new ball, but otherwise, the batters will look to make the most of the conditions and get the big runs. A competitive high-scoring game can be expected, and either skipper winning the toss will likely bat first.
PAK vs NZ Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan (PAK):
Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
New Zealand (NZ):
Tom Latham (c & wk), Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister
PAK vs NZ Probable Best Performers
Probable best batter
Fakhar Zaman:
Fakhar was among the run-getters in the PSL for Lahore Qalandars as he aggregated 429 runs in 13 matches, lacing it with the century and two half-centuries in the top-tier league. He continued his fine run in the first T20I, wherein he had 47 runs off 34 balls with two maximums and four boundaries to his name. He will look to convert it into bigger scores in the forthcoming clash against the Kiwis.
Probable best bowler
Haris Rauf:
Haris Rauf decked the rival batting line-up during the chase as he got four wickets and was among the most economical bowlers in the first T20I. In 3.3 overs, the express pacer gave mere 18 runs at an economy of 5.14. It would not be a surprise if he maintained this form in the second T20I against the visitors.
Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match
