PAK Vs NZ 1st T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Babar Azam practicing hard ahead of PAK vs NZ 1st T20I (PCB)

While cricketing superstars all around the globe are currently participating in the IPL 2024, Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, will set up their troops on Thursday (April 18) in the first T20I of the five-match series against an inexperienced New Zealand side at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The first three matches of this series will be held in Rawalpindi, whereas Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the remaining two contests later on, on April 25 and 27. All five matches will get underway at 8 PM IST.

PAK Vs NZ 1st T20I: Team Previews

Pakistan

This will be Azhar Mahmood’s first assignment as Pakistan’s head coach, and at the same time, it will mark the beginning of captain Babar Azam 2.0. There have been quite a few changes in the Men in Green unit, as they have three T20Is in Ireland, and four T20Is in England before they head to the West Indies and the USA for the World Cup.

Keeping in mind that old horses Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir are back, Pakistan will make some significant changes in their shortest format setup. It will be interesting too see where Babar bats, given the fact that they have Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman is here as well.

In addition, the focus will also be on Shaheen Afridi, who has been sacked as Pakistan's T20I captain on very short notice.

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New Zealand

On the other hand, Michael Bracewell will be in charge of New Zealand during this tour. They have only a few well-known names, who are Jimmy Neesham, Mark Chapman, Tom Blundell, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi, while the rest have found their places due to their consistent performances on domestic circuit in New Zealand.

If given the opportunity, watch out for Dean Foxcroft and Cole McConchie, who are leaders of their respective Kiwi domestic teams, Otago and Canterbury.

PAK Vs NZ 1st T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

PAK Vs NZ 1st T20I: Rawalpindi Stadium Pitch Report

On a flat, batter-friendly pitch, Rawalpindi hosts most of the high-scoring affairs. However, the surface also helps fast bowlers, who can generate some extra bounce by hitting the deck hard.

PAK VS NZ 1st T20I: Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Tom Blundell, Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell (c), Jimmy Neesham, Ben Lister, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi

PAK Vs NZ 1st T20I: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

PAK Vs NZ 1st T20I: Winner Prediction

Although Pakistan have a habit of being unpredictables, it would be a crime if they fail to defeat this New Zealand side. Hence, we, being in the safe side, predict Babar Azam & Co. to win this fixture.

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