There is a massive chance for the two teams to get ready for the T20I World Cup in a few month’s time.
Preview
Pakistan and New Zealand are currently playing a five-match T20I series, with the first game being washed out due to rain. Pakistan won the second match by seven wickets. It is a huge series for both sides, with the T20I World Cup set to start in under a month. While the Pakistani side has a few of its key stars back, the Kiwis are without their big-name players who are taking part in the IPL.
Pakistan (PAK) and Babar Azam will want to get some game time considering there is a paucity of international cricket right now. After the first game got washed out, the home team will have to hope that the weather clears up for a full game of cricket on Saturday. With Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, and Naseem Shah heading the bowling attack, the Pakistani side is a very dangerous team for any opposition.
New Zealand (NZ) comes into the tour under the captaincy of Michael Bracewell, who himself is making a comeback after a year. James Neesham and Ish Sodhi are the only two players with considerable experience in the squad. While a series win may be out of the question, most of the youngsters in the Kiwi camp will use this tour as an experience.
Match Information
Pakistan vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I
New Zealand tour of Pakistan, 21 Apr 2024, Sun, 8:00 PM IST ,Rawalpindi
Probable PlayingXI
Pakistan
Babar Azam(C), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Irfan Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, SH Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, S Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Bench: Azam Khan, FK Zaman, IM Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Z Khan, Usama Mir
New Zealand
Tim Robinson, Michael Bracewell(C), D Foxcroft, MS Chapman, James Neesham, CE McConchie, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, JA Duffy, Ben Sears, BG Lister
Bench: Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, JA Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, AF Milne, William O’Rourke
Injury News
Pitch Report
Captains
The Pakistani skipper has been in decent nick with the bat during the recent PSL 2024 tournament. The added responsibility of leading his side will weight heavy on Babar Azam. Pakistan will hope that Babar Azam can score some runs with the huge T20I World Cup around the corner.
In the absence of some of their big stars, New Zealand will be heavily dependent on Mark Chapman. The batter is one of the most accomplished against both pace and spin and has the penchant to score big runs.
If Babar Azam is batting well how can we forget Mohammad Rizwan. The Pakistani wicketkeeper has been in great form with the bat in the last few months. The right-handed batter has the ability to score runs at a quick pace and force the pressure back onto the opposition.
DISCLAIMER
This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
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