New Zealand VS Pakistan second T20I - Match predictions and tips

Pakistan got their series off to a good start with a fine win over Bangladesh in the first T20I on Friday (October 7).

New Zealand will face a tricky assignment against an in-form Pakistan, who may have lost the seven-match series against England at home, but they are a strong side despite several flaws in their best XI.

One of New Zealand's primary concerns is the form of their skipper, Kane Williamson, who has not had a good year at the wicket. He, too, has struggled with the elbow problem. The Blackcaps will be hopeful that their captain regains form in time for the major tournament, which begins this month in neighbouring Australia.

Pakistani players to watch

 1. Mohammad Rizwan- He played a brilliant knock of 78 not out in just 50 balls in the first T20 against Bangladesh. 

2. Mohammad Wasim- He took three wickets and conceded just 24 runs in his spell of four overs against Bangladesh in the last match.

New Zealand's players to watch

1. Devon Conway- He has made a solid start to his T20I career, accumulating 708 runs in 23 matches. Despite batting in multiple positions, he has a strikeout rate of 138.28.

 2. Trent Boult- In New Zealand's three-match ODI series against Australia, Trent Boult stood out as the team's best bowler, taking ten wickets. He also has a solid T20I record, averaging 22.25.

Match Prediction

New Zealand is predicted to win the match as they will play under home conditions and have an upper edge.

Top Picks

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Wasim

Devon Conway

Trent Boult

Pitch Report

Expect a hard-fought pitch at the Hagley Oval, as the average first innings here is 168. Although the pacers took eight of the 13 wickets in the last match, the spinners will also get help. Chasing would be the preferred option, as the pitch is unlikely to change much during the game.

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.