New Zealand VS Pakistan T20I - Match predictions and tips

Pakistan began the tri-series with a bang, easily defeating Bangladesh and New Zealand. Pakistan's primary stars, as expected, have been Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan scored an undefeated 78 (50 balls) against Bangladesh, while skipper Azam hit 79* from 53 balls against New Zealand.

Pakistan's central problem, though, is its middle order. When the top two fail, the team's middle and lower orders cannot save it. In the game against New Zealand, all-rounder Shadab Khan was moved up the order and hammered 34 off 22 balls in a 148-run chase.

After being humiliated by Pakistan in their first encounter, New Zealand responded impressively in their second match against Bangladesh. The Kiwis completed the mark in 17.5 overs with eight wickets in hand, limiting the opponents to 137. Devon Conway set the tone for the chase with an unbroken 70 off 50 balls.

Pakistan's players to watch

1. Babar Azam- He played a brilliant knock of 79 not out in just 53 balls against New Zealand in the second T20.

2. Mohammad Wasim- He took three wickets, conceded just 24 runs in his spell of four overs against Bangladesh, and took two wickets against New Zealand in the second T20.

New Zealand's players to watch

1. Devon Conway- He has made a solid start to his T20I career. He smashed 70 not out in 51 balls in the last match. 

2. Trent Boult- He is the most experienced bowler in the New Zealand side and was outstanding in the last match against Bangladesh. He took two wickets and conceded just 25 runs.

Match Prediction

New Zealand is predicted to win the match as they will play under home conditions and look strong in the last game against Bangladesh.

Top Picks

Babar Azam

Mohammad Wasim

Devon Conway

Trent Boult

Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval's pitch is ideal for T20 cricket. It has something for seamers, but batters also appreciate it as the surface settles down. Throughout the 40 overs, the wicket holds clear. Spinners will have to bowl tight lines in this situation.

Team Squad

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shahnawaz Dahani/Naseem Shah.

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson.