The stage is set for a thrilling five-match Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series, kicking off on Thursday, April 18th, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This series marks the dawn of the Babar Azam 2.0 era for Pakistan cricket, with Azhar Mahmood taking the reins as the new head coach.
Pakistan’s squad boasts significant changes, including the return of seasoned campaigners like Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir. The team’s batting order, particularly Babar Azam’s position, will be a major talking point with the inclusion of exciting youngsters like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell for this tour, presents a blend of experience with veterans like Jimmy Neesham and Tim Seifert, alongside promising talents like Dean Foxcroft and Cole McConchie, who have earned their call-up through stellar performances in domestic cricket.
The action unfolds at 8 PM IST at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Fans can catch the live stream on FanCode (No Broadcast In India). The Rawalpindi pitch is known for its batsman-friendly nature due to its flat surface. However, fast bowlers who can exploit the bounce with good pace can still find success.
Here’s a glimpse into the probable playing XIs for both teams:
Pakistan:
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam (c)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Imad Wasim
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Amir
- Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand:
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Tim Robinson
- Mark Chapman
- Tom Blundell
- Dean Foxcroft
- Michael Bracewell (c)
- Jimmy Neesham
- Ben Lister
- Ben Sears
- Ish Sodhi
Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await this exciting clash. Will Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam 2.0 and Azhar Mahmood, get off to a winning start? Or will New Zealand, with their potent mix of experience and youth, spoil the party? The upcoming T20I series promises to be a closely contested battle.
