NZ vs PAK Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between New Zealand and Pakistan?

The short break after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy is coming to an end for some international teams, with New Zealand (NZ) hosting Pakistan (PAK) in a five-match T20I series, starting on Sunday, March 16. Notably, the series opener will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

This will be a battle between two teams that have made significant changes to their squads for the series.

New Zealand have had a slightly inconsistent run in T20Is, with their last two T20I series played against Sri Lanka. The most recent T20I series between the two nations favoured New Zealand, as they secured a 2-1 victory. This series took place in December 2024 and continued into January 2025. While the series which was played earlier, both teams had levelled (1-1) the series. This time, the hosts will enter the series with a new T20I skipper, Michael Bracewell, who will look to make the most of this opportunity. For those unaware, most of the Kiwi side's big names will be unavailable due to their IPL commitments, leading to Bracewell's appointment as captain.

Speaking of leadership changes, Pakistan has dropped star players Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, with Salman Ali Agha set to take over the captaincy. Several young and upcoming players in the squad will be eager to make an impact against a strong New Zealand side.

Match Details 

Pitch Report 

The Hagley Oval surface is one of the most balanced wickets which offers some assistance to the bowlers with seam and bounce. The wicket will be challenging at the start but will improve as the game progresses. The seamers will play a huge role on this ground and it will be better for the captains to bowl first and make use of the conditions straight away and restrict the team to a modest total.

Head-to-Head record 

Predicted Playing XIs 

New Zealand 

Tim Robinson, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke. 

Pakistan 

Omair Yousuf, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Probable Best Performers 

Probable best batter: Finn Allen 

Finn Allen will be one of the key players at the top who can put pressure on the bowlers straight away. He is known for his big shots and likes to put quick runs on the board. There will be some great battles between him and the Pakistan pace attack in this upcoming game. 

Probable best bowler: Shaheen Afridi 

Shaheen Afridi might not be in great form right now but the surface in Hagley Oval will give him a lot of assistance and he will want to make the most of it. Afridi can swing the ball both ways and has great pace. There is no doubt that if he bowls in the right areas he can trouble the batters a lot.

Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match

Scenario 1 

• New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first
• Powerplay: 45-55
• NZ-W: 150-170
• New Zealand win the match 

Scenario 2 

• Pakistan win the toss and opt to bat first
• Powerplay: 40-45
• SL-W: 130-150
• New Zealand win the match 

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.