New Zealand will eye another series triumph as they take on Pakistan in the second T20.
It was a wonderful showing from the bowlers as they restricted the visitors to a below-par score of 153. Debutant, Jacob Duffy scalped four wickets and Scott Kuggeleijn put the breaks with three wickets.
Despite a shaky start to the chase, Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman kept them in the hunt before James Neesham and Mitchell Santner finished things off in style.
Head to Head
Matches played- 22, New Zealand- 9, Pakistan- 13, N/R-0
Team News
Pakistan's top order failed as they were reduced to 20-4 at one point. They need to step up by scoring the bulk of the runs and post a big total. They have tried and tested several players. Sarfaraz Ahmed may be recalled to boost the middle order. Wahab Riaz had a bad day in the office and may be substituted with Mohammad Hasnain or Muhammad Musa.
The hosts will welcome back their skipper, Kane Williamson to the team. Tim Southee and Trent Boult are also back in action. Daryll Mitchell may replace Santner.
Pitch and Conditions
The action shifts to Seddon Park in Hamilton from Auckland. Scattered showers are expected throughout the match and there will be a couple of breaks in between. The pitch is great for batsmen who love to whack the ball.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand (NZ): Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Daryll Mitchell, Scott Kuggelejin, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Trent Boult
Pakistan (Pak): Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Khushdil Shah/ Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain/Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Afridi
Key Battles
Kane Williamson (NZ) vs Shaheen Afridi (Pak)
The skipper returns to the field after witnessing the birth of his first child. He is a consistent player known for his strong technique. He possesses classy stroke play and gritty temperament. He is known to be a sheet anchor and bowlers find it hard to get his wicket early.
Afridi took two wickets in the last game conceding 27 runs. He can bowl really fast and has clever variations up his sleeve. He is a deadly customer in the shortest format of the gave and does not allow the batsmen to settle down.
Scott Kuggeleijn (NZ) vs Haider Ali (Pak)
Ali managed to score only three runs in the previous match. Playing at the crucial number three spot in a tricky situation, he could not withstand the pressure and succumbed to Kuggeleijn. The highly talented youngster must play with a clear mind to score heavily.
Kuggeleijn took three wickets in the first game. The genuine pacer is a wicket-taking bowler. He can clock in above 140kph consistently. He is usually tough to get away at the start as he opts to bowl a tight line and length.
Prediction
New Zealand has all their star players back and looks more strong now. Pakistan will be playing for pride and must win this match to stay alive in the series. The hosts will be overwhelming favorites to seal the series.
Cricwizz predicts New Zealand to win the match
