Last Updated on 6 months by Charbel Coorey

PAK vs NZ 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Fantasy Cricket Tips | PAK vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Rawalpindi Pitch Report

With the Indian Premier League in full throttle, international cricket returns in neighbouring Pakistan as the hosts look to get their T20 World Cup preparations in order against an under-strength New Zealand.

Pakistan welcome back Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir to the international arena and bolster their bowling stocks. Also, eyes will be on their batting approach with some attacking players in their top five.

That being said, while New Zealand are inexperienced, they do have players who can cause problems. Tim Seifert is a dangerous player, while Mark Chapman has a T20I century on this ground. Also, there is some talent in the Black Caps pace attack, so Pakistan need to be focused on the task at hand.

PAK vs NZ 1st T20 2024: Possible Playing XIs

Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim recently reversed their decisions to retire. They may both line up in this game.

Pakistan: 1. Mohammad Rizwan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Babar Azam (c), 4. Fakhar Zaman, 5. Azam Khan (wk), 6. Iftikhar Ahmed, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Naseem Shah, 10. Zaman Khan/Mohammad Amir, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

New Zealand will be without Finn Allen and Adam Milne. Tom Blundell has been called up and could make the XI.

New Zealand: 1. Tim Seifert (wk), 2. Dean Foxcroft/Tim Robinson, 3. Mark Chapman, 4. Tom Blundell, 5. Josh Clarkson, 6. James Neesham, 7. Michael Bracewell (c), 8. Cole McConchie, 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Ben Sears/Ben Lister, 11. Will O’Rourke/Jacob Duffy

Fantasy Cricket Tips for PAK vs NZ 1st T20: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Pakistan:

• Babar Azam loves this ground. He has scored 1,371 runs at an average of 54.84 and strike rate of 138.91. This includes 15 50+ scores in 31 innings.
• Babar had an excellent PSL campaign earlier this year with 569 runs at an average of 56.90 and strike rate of 142.60.
• Saim Ayub has a strike rate of 172.82 in 15 innings on this ground (515 runs, avg. 34.33).
• Mohammad Rizwan averages just under 40 at Rawalpindi. The Pakistani opener has struck 875 runs here overall at a strike rate of 130.01.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi has dismissed Tim Seifert four times in 38 balls in T20s. Interestingly, Seifert has scored 62 runs at a strike rate of 163.2.
• Afridi has taken 30 wickets in 18 innings at Rawalpindi. He strikes every 13.80 balls.

New Zealand:

• Mark Chapman has an outstanding record against Shaheen Shah Afridi. He has hit 57 off 33 balls without dismissal.
• Chapman also has a century on this ground. He smashed 104* last year. In fact, he has scored 175 runs here in two innings without dismissal (SR 176.77).
• Tim Seifert vs Pakistan: 10 inns, 245 runs, avg. 27.22, SR 124.36.
• Tim Robinson could make his T20I debut. He was superb in the 2023/24 Super Smash where he smashed 298 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 187.42.
• James Neesham is key to New Zealand’s hopes. He strikes at 142.85 in 12 innings against Pakistan but will be seeking to improve on his average of 17.50. He also has 10 wickets.
• Ish Sodhi vs Babar Azam in T20s: 93 balls, 118 runs, three wickets. Sodhi also has good numbers against Mohammad Rizwan: 49 balls, 55 runs, two wickets.
• Sodhi strikes every 24.73 balls on average against Pakistan.

Other Stats and Facts

• Saim Ayub in PSL 2024: 11 inns, 345 runs, avg. 31.36, SR 157.53.
• Shadab Khan with the bat at Rawalpindi: 26 inns, 712 runs, avg. 33.90, SR 153.45.
• Iftikhar Ahmed smashed 259 runs at an average of 64.75 and strike rate of 193.28 in PSL 2024.
• Michael Bracewell should have a role to play with the ball. The offspinner has taken four wickets in nine overs against Pakistan in T20s.

Rawalpindi Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score at Rawalpindi in PSL 2024 was 179.14. The team batting first won four of the seven completed matches.

Thunderstorms may impact this game. Rain is expected throughout the day and evening as well. If there is a chance of a game, expect the captain who wins the toss to chase.

PAK vs NZ 1st T20 2024 Dream11 Prediction Today Match

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

PAK vs NZ 1st T20 Winner Prediction

Weather permitting, Pakistan should win this match.