PAK vs NZ: The Pakistan cricket team is all set to host New Zealand in the five-match T20I series. The games will kick start from 18th April and the series will mark preparations for both the teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. It’ll be a great opportunity for both teams to find their core for the tournament and get their balance right for the event.
Pakistan playing for the first T20I against New Zealand prediction
Pakistan have named a pretty balanced squad for the PAK vs NZ T20I series. The team will be captained by Babar Azam and it has also seen some veterans returning to the team. Therefore it will be an exciting series to watch from the Pakistan front.
Keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub are likely to open the innings for their team in the PAK vs NZ game. Skipper Babar Azam is expected to bat at No.3 and this most likely is to be the top three for the team in the World Cup as well.
Fakhar Zaman has been assigned the new role of bat in the middle order. Therefore he is expected that bat at No.4 for the team in the PAK vs NZ game. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan will be the two all-rounders in the XI as they have been brilliant of late for the team.
Also Read: Pakistan’s schedule before the 2024 T20 World Cup
Imad Wasim, who took his retirement back, is expected to walk in straight into the team. The all-rounder has had a great time in PSL. With Mohammad Nawaz not being in the team, it will be a great opportunity for him to grab his place in the team.
Usama Mir is likely to be the leg-spinner in the team. Whereas Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir and Naseem Shah are likely to be three pacers in the team.
Here’s Pakistan predicted playing 11 for the first PAK vs NZ T20I:
Saim Ayub
Mohammad Rizwan
Babar Azam
Fakhar Zaman
Iftikhar Ahmed
Shadab Khan
Imad Wasim
Usama Mir
Shaheen Afridi
Mohammad Amir
Naseem Shah
PAK vs NZ: Pakistan squad for the New Zealand T20Is
Here’s the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand T20Is
Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan