Big Picture: Pakistan Seek Redemption
As the T20I series moves from Christchurch to Dunedin, Pakistan’s batting remains the focal point. New captain Salman Agha had called for a “high-risk” approach, but the execution fell short in the opening game, where Pakistan registered a dismal 91 all-out. New Zealand comfortably chased the target in just 10.1 overs, exposing Pakistan’s struggles.
With Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam dropped, and Saim Ayub still recovering from an ankle injury, Pakistan experimented with debutant Hasan Nawaz at the top, alongside Mohammad Haris, who was returning to T20Is after nearly two years. Salman slotted in at No. 3, but the aggressive intent backfired, as seven batters fell for single-digit scores. Khushdil Shah top-scored with 32 off 30 balls. The question now is whether Pakistan will persist with this strategy in the second T20I.
Despite missing several key players due to IPL commitments, New Zealand made a strong statement in the first game. Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy dominated with the ball, sharing seven wickets between them, before Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, and Tim Robinson made quick work of the chase.
With a strong start to the series, New Zealand are unlikely to make changes to their XI, while Pakistan may stick with their experimentation as they search for success in this five-match series.
Form Guide
- New Zealand: WLWWW (last five completed T20Is)
- Pakistan: LLLLW
Players to Watch: Jacob Duffy & Salman Agha
- Jacob Duffy has been in top form, picking up 12 wickets in his last five T20Is at an economy of just 5.54. In the first match, he delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 14 in 3.4 overs and will once again be key to New Zealand’s bowling attack.
- Salman Agha has played seven T20Is since making his debut last November. Promoting himself to No. 3 in the first game, he managed only 18 off 20 balls, with his overall strike rate in T20Is standing at 81.92. As captain, Agha will be eager to step up with a more impactful performance.
Team News
New Zealand are expected to retain their winning combination, with Jamieson, Duffy, and Zakary Foulkes leading the pace attack, while Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell handle spin duties.
New Zealand (probable):
- Tim Seifert, 2. Finn Allen, 3. Tim Robinson, 4. Mark Chapman, 5. Daryl Mitchell, 6. Mitchell Hay (wk), 7. Michael Bracewell (capt), 8. Zakary Foulkes, 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Kyle Jamieson, 11. Jacob Duffy
Pakistan handed a debut to fast bowler Mohammed Ali, who opened alongside Shaheen Afridi. Haris Rauf was left out of the first game, and given the length of the series, Pakistan may continue to test Ali before turning to Rauf.
Pakistan (probable):
- Mohammad Haris (wk), 2. Hasan Nawaz, 3. Salman Agha (capt), 4. Irfan Khan, 5. Shadab Khan, 6. Khushdil Shah, 7. Abdul Samad, 8. Jahandad Khan, 9. Shaheen Afridi, 10. Abrar Ahmed, 11. Mohammed Ali
Pitch and Conditions
The University Oval in Dunedin has hosted three men’s T20Is, with the most recent in January 2024, where Finn Allen’s blistering 137 led New Zealand to 224, resulting in a 45-run win over Pakistan. The surface is typically batting-friendly, with teams scoring at 9.88 runs per over, and 200+ totals being achieved in three of the six innings played. The weather forecast suggests occasional showers and cool conditions on match day.
Stats & Trivia
- Tim Seifert has played in all three T20Is held in Dunedin, averaging 56.50 at the venue.
- Since 2020, New Zealand have won eight of their 12 T20Is against Pakistan at home.
