New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I: Match Predictions

New Zealand extended their dominance on Pakistan in the first T20I as well after whitewashing them comprehensively in the five-match ODI series. The visitors are in the must-win situation now not for the first time on this tour though. They would be eager to get on the board with only a couple of matches left in the series. The shortest format of the game is the best bet for them and have to perform collectively to beat the hosts. However, New Zealand would love to continue with their unbeaten home season in Auckland on Thursday as well.

The Kiwis have been extremely hard to beat at home in the recent past. Every time some player or the other put their hands up. The selectors have also used the T20 leg of the tour as an opportunity to try out different cricketers based on the performances in the recently concluded  Super Smash, the domestic T20 tournament. In the process, they ‘ve also tried to rest their gun players by rotating them cleverly without affecting the team balance.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have tried all the players in the squad so far but failed to register even a single victory. The first game of the series once again followed the similar script with the batsmen unable to counter the new ball. The innings was resurrected to an extent by the lower order after which the bowlers tried their best to claw their way back into the match but to no avail. The only solution to their woes is for the batsmen to score runs and put some runs on the board for the bowlers who have been faring a little better.

Pitch Report

This is the first match of the home season for New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland and the track is expected to be a belter. The average first innings score at the ground in 166 and the drop-in pitch is used generally here. The wicket is on the slower side always but is hard on the bowlers more often than not. The team batting first has won seven out of 13 matches played at this venue and expect the team winning the toss to bat first.

Here is what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Top Performers

Martin Guptill (New Zealand) | Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan)

Head To Head Records

Total Matches Played – 16, Pakistan won – 8, New Zealand won – 8, Tied/No Result – 0

Playing Combination

New Zealand

The selectors have rested Ross Taylor and Tim Southee for the second T20 International. Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson will be back in the mix for the remainder of the series now. Even Kane Williamson will return to lead the side after missing the opening game due to a minor injury. These are the forced changes in the squad and the other players should be able to retain their places barring last minute injuries. The team is in a good space currently and is expected to continue their winning run at home.

Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Glenn Phillips(wk), Anaru Kitchen, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Seth Rance

Pakistan

Pakistan will surely make changes to their line-up after yet another dismal performance by their batsmen. Ahmed Shehzad has to open the innings at the top who has the ability to tonk the ball. Also, there is a need to rejig the batting order with their nemesis Boult back with the new ball. Though there won’t be many changes and the current has to make the mark in the limited opportunities now.

The bowling attack though looks settled and there should not be any tinkering in that facet for the Men in Green.

Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk & C), Umar Amin, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Nawaz

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online – Hotstar

The prediction is for New Zealand to win the match comfortably and seal the series.