The Pak VS NZ series gets underway today evening. It is the New Zealand Tour of Pakistan 2023 and it’s a depleted New Zealand side that is visiting Pakistan. The top players from New Zealand have instead chosen to play the IPL.
The big names which are missing include Tim Southee, Kane Williamson (out due to injury during the IPL), Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips. But the squad picked for Pakistan Series is not bad either. The Pak VS NZ contest will be great to watch. Here is a quick preview:
Pakistan Preview Before Pak VS NZ:
Pakistan has been doing decently well in T20Is. The PSL has been concluded just a few weeks ago and the Pakistan team will be rooting to try new faces who excelled in this edition of the league. The team has the presence of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam at the top. The experience of Fakhar Zaman and Shan Masood will come in handy. The bowling too looks sorted with Shaheen and Naseem. Both the bowlers are super quick and can swing the ball both ways. The death-over specialist, Haris Rauf has been doing well too.
New Zealand Preview:
It is a depleted or second-string New Zealand squad. All the top players have chosen to play in the TATA IPL 2023. With that being said, Tom Latham has used his resources well in such circumstances. He has previously been a part of such second-string teams. The names to watch out for include Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell gives them the bowling all-rounder option. He has a great average as well. If wanted he can open the innings too. Matt Henry or Adam Milne will have to shoulder the responsibility of leading the bowling attack in the absence of the experienced pros.
Pakistan Playing XI for Pak VS NZ 1st T20I:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
New Zealand Playing XI for Pak VS NZ 1st T20I:
Chad Bowes, Tim Seifert, Tom Latham (c & wk), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi
Dream 11 Fantasy Team:
Babar Azam, Tim Seifert, Fakhar Zaman, Dary Mitchell, Shan Masood, Imad Wasim, James Neesham (C), Rachin Ravindra, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Matt Henry.
Predictions:
The odds are in favor of Pakistan. With the home support, they will easily beat New Zealand in the Pak VS NZ 1st T20I. The New Zealand squad isn’t looking very lucrative. But this brings in opportunities for the younger players like Mark Chapman and Henry Shipley. Imad Wasim has made a comeback to the national team. He is expected to have a great game.
Venue, Timings, and Broadcaster:
The game will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan. The game starts at 9:30 pm Indian Standard Time and 7:30 pm local time. The official broadcaster for the Pak VS NZ series is Sony TV Network. The games can be seen on any of their relevant channels and can also be live-streamed on the Sony Liv App.
To know more go to TATA IPL 2023: Big Boost for Punjab Kings as Liam Livingstone and Kagiso Rabada Return.
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To know more go to the official website of the TATA IPL 2023.