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Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) are scheduled to face off in a five-match T20I series followed by as many ODIs. New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan begins with the first T20I at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, April 14. Pakistan are heavy favourites to win this match at 4/11 (1.36) odds. NZ, on the other hand, have a much steeper task with the odds of 15/8 (2.87).
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
- Pakistan vs New Zealand (PAK vs NZ), 1st T20I
- April 14, 2023 – 4 PM GMT
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Contents
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been an outstanding venue for batting. A total of nine matches were hosted here in the recent PSL, with the average first innings score reading 186. Eight of those matches were won by the team batting first.
Lahore should witness clear weather on Friday evening as there’s no rain threat or cloud cover predicted. The temperature should hover around 26°C.
PAK vs NZ – 1st T20I Match Predictions
Pakistan have defeated New Zealand in four of the previous five encounters. They are also at full strength for this series while NZ have named a second string side due to their top players involved in the IPL.
Prediction 1
Pakistan to hit most sixes
10/11 (1.90)
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Odds from
Prediction 2
Shaheen to be Pakistan's Top Bowler
9/4 (3.25)
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Odds from
Probable 6s
Pakistan have a batting line-up comprising Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris and Shadab Khan. While they’re not known to be big six-hitters, New Zealand have a far weaker unit which will face a full strength Pakistan bowling attack.
Our prediction: Pakistan to hit most sixes in the match at 10/11 (1.90).
Probable Wickets
Shaheen Shah Afridi recently picked 19 wickets in 12 matches in the PSL. Back him to be Pakistan’s top wicket-taker at 9/4 (3.25). Adam Milne ran through the Sri Lankan batting line-up in the second T20I recently with 5 for 26. He is a good bet to be the top bowler for New Zealand at 13/5 (3.60).
Our prediction: Shaheen Shah Afridi to be New Zealand’ highest wicket-taker at 9/4 (3.25).
Man of the Match
Shaheen Shah Afridi had lifted his side to the second consecutive PSL title by smashing 44* off 15 and picking four wickets in the final. Back Shaheen to be the player of the match at 12/1 (13.00). Other top betting options include Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Daryl Mitchell.
Our prediction: Shaheen Shah Afridi to be the Man of the Match at 12/1 (13.00).
PAK vs NZ Preview
Pakistan players will be looking to get some action while the rest of the world is busy in the IPL. Let’s take a look at two teams before they meet on Friday.
Pakistan
Pakistan recently played a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which they lost by 2-1 but it was a second-string side. This will be their first T20I with the full-strength squad since the T20 World Cup final defeat.
Imad Wasim had an outstanding PSL campaign and seems to have displaced Mohammad Nawaz. Ihsanullah has also been impressive and has taken Mohammad Wasim’s spot.
Predicted XI: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Imad Wasim, Ihsanullah, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
New Zealand
The Black Caps played three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka recently with a second-string team. They won the T20I series by 2-1 after losing the first game in a super over.
Tim Seifert was superb in the series decider versus Sri Lanka and he remains a key alongside Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham. James Neesham will also have an important role to play, having had PSL experience.
Predicted XI: Chad Bowes, Tim Seifert, Tom Latham (c/wk), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister
How to Watch PAK vs NZ in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List
The PAK vs NZ 2023 series will be broadcasted live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. For online streaming, you can access the SkyGo application.
- Sky Sports Cricket/Sky Sports Main Event (TV)
- SkyGo app (Streaming)
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