Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: Pakistan Cricket |
New Zealand. Remember them? They are a cricket playing nation.
If you forgot, you are forgiven, with the Black Caps about to step onto the field for an international match for the first time since April. But, as you remember them, it’s easy to recall the quality they possess in each format.
They begin their tour of the UAE with three T20Is against world number one Pakistan, who are fresh of clean-sweeping Australia 3-0. Who will take a 1-0 series lead?
New Zealand will provide a different challenge to Pakistan than Australia, but the blueprint for success remains similar. Scores of 150 proved way too much for Australia, and against a side that is short of cricket, piling the pressure by nailing the basics is something Mickey Arthur would be looking forward to. After Pakistan whitewashed Australia in a limited overs series for the first time (more than two matches), can they smash the Kiwis too? And no, not the fruit. The cricket side (in case you forgot about them).
In all honesty, though, it is fantastic to see New Zealand back in action.That we have been robbed of watching Kane Williamson in New Zealand colours for nearly seven months is a cricketing tragedy, along with the talented New Zealand side. After one side from Oceania was swept aside emphatically as recently as three nights ago, can the Black Caps put on a better show than Trans-Tasman rivals Australia?
Key to a Pakistan win
That Pakistan were able to dismantle Australia even with Fakhar Zaman not firing was something to behold. Babar Azam, with 163 runs at 81.50, was deservedly man of the series against Australia, and will have a key role to play at the top along with the likes of Shoaib Malik.
Will Sahibzada Farhan build well on his effort v Australia, after timing the ball well but playing lots of dots? How Pakistan’s top order fares is vital, given the middle order underwhelmed in the series win. Against a New Zealand side that won’t roll over, a cohesive, complete batting effort is needed.
Also, the Pakistanis must repeat their enthusiasm in hitting the timber, covering great ground and aiming at the sticks while bowling. Their straight, tight bowling choked the life out of Australia, and with New Zealand aiming to get accustomed quickly to conditions, Pakistan will be well served in limiting the room given to the Black Caps’ batsmen.
Key to New Zealand win
The absence of Martin Guptill, the all-time highest scorer in T20Is, is a blow to New Zealand.
However, Colin Munro has been in good touch, simply brilliant for the Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL, along with his form for New Zealand. He will be the key at the top, paving the way for the hard-hitting middle order to build a strong total, along with Glenn Phillips (second highest run scorer in CPL 2018), Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.
Also, New Zealand possess some exciting and experienced pace bowling options, with the presence of Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne. Can the selected seamers put pressure on Pakistan, like Australia’s seamers were able to at times? On the spin front, both Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi will likely play, and will need to play a key role in keeping Pakistan’s batsmen quiet throughout the middle overs. Can New Zealand get through Pakistan’s top order cheaply, paving the way for a shot at Pakistan’s slightly shaky middle order?
Possible XIs
Shoaib Malik has confirmed his availability for the match, after the birth of his son. The main question for Pakistan, with Fakhar Zaman still nursing a knee issue, is whether Usman Khan or Shaheen Afridi will play.
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Babar Azam, 2. Sahibzada Farhan, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Asif Ali, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Shadab Khan, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Usman Khan/Shaheen Afridi
New Zealand named a 14 member squad in which Glenn Phillips and Ajaz Patel were included. Glenn Phillips, the attacking wicket keeper batsman had an excellent CPL season with a ton and two half centuries, and was just behind Munro in his performances in the tournament. Expect him to open.
New Zealand possible: 1. Colin Munro, 2. Glenn Phillips (wk), 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Mark Chapman, 6. Corey Anderson, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Ajaz Patel, 11. Adam Milne/Lockie Ferguson
Dream11
- Leaving out Colin Munro was a tough call, but I am skeptical as to how he will go in these conditions straight away. He has to better spot the ball that is going both ways.
- Glenn Phillips takes the keeper role, as he is likely to open. Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor make up a pretty reliable batting quartet.
- Faheem Ashraf was mostly impressive against Australia, so too the Pakistani Cristiano Ronaldo, Imad Wasim.
- Both wristspinners (Sodhi and Shadab) are important additions in these conditions.
Stats and Facts
- New Zealand are playing their first T20 after 8 months. They last played with Australia in Tri-series final in February.
- Pakistan have won their last ten T20I series.
- Babar Azam is ranked first among T20I batsmen. In his list five innings, he averages 103.66, with a SR of 131.22.
- Pakistan beat New Zealand 2-1 earlier this year (in New Zealand).
