New Zealand can regain their numero uno status in T20Is against Windies
Pakistan and New Zealand will lock horns in January in 3-match T20I series.
New Zealand lost their top spot to Pakistan earlier this week after losing the third and final T20I of the three-match series against India. They lost the game closely by mere 6 runs and also lost the series by 2-1. However, they have a golden chance to regain their numero uno status in the format during the series against Windies who are set to tour New Zealand in the last week of November.
Pakistan is also in great form and have recently whitewashed Sri Lanka at home in the three-match T20I series. Though now they are not playing any short form cricket until January and it looks tough for them to hold onto it for a long time. The series against Windies which was to be played in Lahore this month cancelled due to the logistical issues and poor weather conditions. The next major series in the format is between India and Sri Lanka in December but India cannot leapfrog their arch-rivals even if they win all the three matches.
Big series in January
New Zealand is scheduled to host Windies for 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and as many T20Is starting the last week of November. The T20I series will commence on December 29 and they have great chance to reclaim their top spot if they win the series. Currently, the Black Caps are at the second position tied on 120 points with Windies but fractionally ahead. The Men in Green are sitting pretty at the top with 124 rating points to their name.
If the Kiwis manage to defeat the World Champions in the first two games of the series then they will earn a two-point lead on Pakistan. In case they manage to whitewash the Caribbean side then they will have 128 points before the start of the series against Sarfraz led-side.
Big series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in January next year which will eventually decide who is the boss of the T20 format. The three-match series is scheduled to be played in Wellington, Auckland and Mount Maunganui.
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