Ex-RCB Star To Open, No Place For Matt Henry; NZ Strongest XI For 1st T20I vs Pakistan

NZ will take on Pakistan in 1st T20I on Sunday [Source: AP]

On Sunday, New Zealand will cross swords against Pakistan in the first T20 International of the upcoming five-match series. The high-octane clash will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

The BlackCaps recently announced a formidable squad for the series. As they gear up for the inaugural match, let's analyse and find out their most potent combination for the first T20I. 

Matt Henry Not To Play First Match vs Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has included ace speedster Matt Henry in the squad only for the last two matches of the T20I series. Therefore, the fast bowler, who recently sustained a shoulder injury, won't be a part of the first three matches. 

Top Order: Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert

(T20I stats of New Zealand's top order batters)

• Destructive batter and former RCB player Finn Allen should open the batting with Tim Robinson, who was impressive in the previous T20I series against Sri Lanka (89 runs, avg 29.67, SR 139.06). 
• Allen has been an incredible performer against Pakistan, scoring 366 runs at a superb average of 40.67 and a blistering strike rate of 183. 
• Meanwhile, experienced keeper-batter Tim Seifert is the frontrunner to play at number three. Hailed for his ability to score all around the ground, Seifert can be a valuable asset for the home side. 

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Upper Middle Order: Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell

(T20I stats of NZ middle order batters)

• New Zealand have three players for the upper middle order batter's role. However, despite his brilliant strike rate Mitchell Hay might not be preferred, with New Zealand likely to include Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell. 
• As evidenced by the above stats, Chapman and Mitchell are more experienced and have been more consistent in T20Is. So, they should bat at number four and five and form a solid middle order core for the BlackCaps. 

All-Rounders: Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell

(T20I stats of Jimmy Neesham and Michael Bracewell)

• In Mitchell Santner's absence, New Zealand should keep Jimmy Neesham in their playing XI, considering his all-round impact. Besides ensuring fitting finishes for the Kiwis, Neesham can chip in with a few overs of quality medium pace bowling. 
• Meanwhile, Bracewell should be slotted at his preferred number seven slot in the lineup. The off-spinner recently enjoyed stellar success with the ball in the Champions Trophy and could be a game-changer with the bat as well. 

Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, William O'Rourke, Ish Sodhi

(T20I stats of NZ bowlers)

• In Matt Henry's absence, New Zealand should prefer Kyle Jamieson for the new-ball specialist's role, although he doesn't have a great T20I record. Jamieson had a memorable Super Smash campaign, scalping 14 wickets at a superb economy of 5.95. 
• There could be a toss-up between Jacob Duffy and Ben Sears, but the hosts should prefer the former for his more impressive numbers in the format. 
• Meanwhile, the experienced Ish Sodhi should lead New Zealand's spin attack with skipper Bracewell. On the other hand, William O'Rourke's extra pace and ability to hit the deck would ensure versatility in the pace department. 

New Zealand's Strongest XI For 1st T20I vs Pakistan

Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (WK), Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell,  Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell (C), Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, William O'Rourke, Ish Sodhi

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