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

Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead Pakistan in T20Is [X.com]

The highly anticipated five-match T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan gets underway from tomorrow (January 12), which will take place at Eden Park in Auckland. The series will act as an perfect preparation ground for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Team Preview

New Zealand

Led by Kane Williamson, New Zealand have selected a full-strength side, looking to give all their ICC T20WC 2024 prospects a run in the middle. New Zealand managed to salvage pride in Bangladesh, ending the series 1-1, however, their record in T20Is against Pakistan in the last 10 encounters have been anything but satisfactory, winning just 3.

The likes of Devon Conway, Tim Seifert, Adam Milne, and Matt Henry will look at the series as a means of gaining their form, heading into an important World Cup year. Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, and Williamson will continue to be the backbone of the experienced squad.

Pakistan

With a new captain in Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan are on the lookout of new stars in the series. The opening position is expected to see a change, with management opting for the more aggressive approach in Saim Ayub, leading to Babar Azam coming down the order.

The middle-order looks solid with Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed all coming in the with form behind their back. Wicketkeeping duties will be handed over to the returning Azam, who might get the nod ahead of vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Apart from Afridi's form, the Pakistan bowling looks in red-hot form, given the likes of Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan coming of short-stints in BBL 2024.

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

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NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Eden Park Pitch Report

The track at Eden Park is known for being a high-scoring venue, given the dimensions, and how the pitch play. The playing conditions does not change much during the course of the match, leading to a close contest between bat and ball.  

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I:Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, and Tim Southee.

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Azam Khan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usama Mir, and Zaman Khan.

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I:  Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Winner Predictions

With home advantage, and a better overall composition of the side, New Zealand head into the contest as favourites.

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