Former RCB Star And...? 3 NZ Players Who Can Be Biggest Threats To Pakistan In 1st T20I

Finn Allen could be a massive threat to Pakistan [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

On Sunday, New Zealand will lock horns with Pakistan in the first T20I of the upcoming five-match series at home. The high-octane face-off will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

After finishing as the runner-ups in the Champions Trophy, New Zealand will eye redemption in this series. Although they will miss several IPL-bound players, the BlackCaps have a formidable team that can give the Men in Green a run for their money. 

So, as they gear up for the first T20I, here are three players from New Zealand who could be serious threats to Pakistan in this match. 

1. Finn Allen

(Finn Allen's T20I record)

• New Zealand's destructive batter Finn Allen could be a massive threat to Pakistan in the first T20I, thanks to his scintillating stroke play. If he sees through the first few deliveries from Shaheen Afridi, Allen can rattle Pakistan with his power-hitting. 
• As evidenced by the above stats, Allen has been a proven performer against Pakistan in T20Is. The last time when New Zealand faced Pakistan in a T20I series at home, Allen hammered 275 runs at an average of 55 and a blistering strike rate of 195.04. 
• So, it won't be surprising if he destroys the opposition on Christchurch's batting-friendly surface. 

---

ALSO READ

3 Unlucky Players In Pakistan Squad Who Might Not Get A Single Match In NZ T20Is

---

2. Michael Bracewell

(Michael Bracewell's stats)

• Michael Bracewell, who will lead New Zealand in this series, has been a proven performer in T20I cricket. Besides chipping in with power-packed cameos, Bracewell can be a real game-changer in T20Is. 
• He showcased remarkable form in the recently concluded Champions Trophy, scalping eight wickets and scoring 82 runs, including a valiant half-century in the all-important final. 
• Also, at this time of the year, the tracks in New Zealand might offer some turn and assist the spinners. So, in Santner's absence, Bracewell could play a massive role in the first T20I. 

3. William O'Rourke

(O'Rourke's numbers in shortest format)

• New Zealand's promising fast bowler William O'Rourke had a poor outing against India in the Champions Trophy final. So, this series gives him a golden opportunity to redeem himself. 
• William O'Rourke's extra pace makes him an X-factor for New Zealand against Pakistan. The Pakistani players generally struggle against body-line bowling, which is why the hosts might use O'Rourke as an enforcer in the middle and slog overs in the first T20I. 

---

ALSO READ

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

---