Predicting New Zealand’s Playing XI for their fourth T20I against Pakistan

After registering an iconic 9-wicket win, with a historic comeback in the third T20I, Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan are set to take on New Zealand in the fourth T20I of the five-match series. The penultimate fixture of the series will be played at Mount Maunganui on Sunday, March 23, at 11:45 (IST).

It will be a crucial and all-important game for both teams considering their respective current positions in the series. Pakistan will aim to win this match to level the five-match series by 2-2 to make the fifth and last T20I a series decider. On the other hand, the Blackcaps will look ahead to win this game and seal the series with an unassailable lead of 3-1.

With that said, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of New Zealand for the fourth T20I against Pakistan.

Openers – Tim Seifert and Finn Allen

The Kiwis will look ahead to go with the unchanged opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. However, the duo failed to provide a strong start in the third T20I against Pakistan. But before that, they had two decent outings in the first and second T20I of the series.

Seifert scored 19 runs off just nine balls, with one four and two sixes while Allen fell prey to Haris Rauf’s sensational catch in the first over. Finn Allen couldn’t get off the mark and was dismissed on duck off three balls.

Middle-Order – Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (WK)

The middle order of the Blackcaps will start with the star in-form number-three batter Mark Chapman, who played a blistering half-century knock in the previous game against Pakistan. He scored 94 runs off just 44 balls, with 11 fours and four sixes, having an amazing strike rate of 213.63.

Following him, Daryl Mitchell will be there to bat at number four; he scored 17 runs off 11 balls, with one four and a six. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay is expected to bat at number five or six to add some crucial runs in the lower middle order. His runs will also help New Zealand to post a big total on the board.

All-Rounders – James Neesham and Michael Bracewell (C)

The all-rounder duo of James Neesham and skipper Michael Bracewell will be a perfect choice to pick in the playing XI for NZ for their fourth T20I clash against Pakistan. Neesham can contribute both with the bat and the ball, in a crucial situation during the match.

Skipper Michael Bracewell can also play a vital role with the bat in the lower middle order, alongside bowling some important overs in the middle overs. He scored 31 runs off just 18 balls, with three fours and two sixes.

Bowlers – Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, and Ben Sears

The bowling attack of the Blackcaps will be led by the star pacer Kyle Jamieson, who is expected to open the attack for his side in the powerplay. His pace and bouncers with the new ball could pose a serious threat to tackle for the Pakistan batters.

Jamieson will be accompanied by two more out-and-out pacers, Jacob Duffy and Ben Sears; this pace trio will play a vital role for the Kiwis in their pace-friendly home conditions. Alongside the pace battery, the hosts might also look ahead to field Ish Sodhi as a specialist spinner in the playing XI for the fourth T20I.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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