The home side has dominated this series entirely in the two matches that have been played so far. Both at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan batted first in both matches and won the match pretty easily without facing any real threat of chasing from New Zealand batters.
New Zealand To Step Up Their Game
New Zealand batters are short of experience but anything. Tom Latham has lacked confidence as well as proper plan to lead hia side. Pakistan exploited their weakness in both matches, tough place to bowl but still, New Zealand bowlers leaked a too many runs.
In the second match, even the luck seemed to be biased towards New Zealand. A few edges and drop calls made went flying in no man’s zone. Matt Henry is the only bowler to have some consistency and wickets in his column. Even he was taken down by Babar Azam in his hunt for 9th career T20 century.
The batting seems to be in tough times, inexperienced top order has failed to make any move. Maybe it is the pressure of chasing but they haven’t been able to anticipate the challenges Pakistani pacers have put forward.
Chad Bowes has scored 1 and 26, Tom Latham 20 and 19 both at below 100 strike rate. The openers have put so much pressure on the middle order. Will Young has completely hasn’t looked comfortable enough against pace which comes at surprise.
With minimal impact, New Zealand made two adjustments to their team. Ish Sodhi was replaced by Cole McConchie, who only bowled one over. Rachin Ravindra increased his workload from one to four overs and impressed with nine dot balls and the wicket of Saim Ayub in the 12th over. Henry Shipley took over for the pricey Adam Milne and concluded with 0 wickets and an even worse economy rate (13rpo)!
After a slow but team-best 34 in the first T20I, Mark Chapman this time top scored for his side again, clearing the ropes four times for a quickfire 65 not out. This brilliant batting order shift was the catalyst for New Zealand’s resurgence with the bat.
Pakistan Have Aces Upto Their Sleeves
Babar Azam led by example in the second match, notching his 9th T20 century in 58 balls. Mohammad Rizwan with half fine half century was on display in first half. But neither of them have scored back to half century in much time.
Saim Ayub has played a couple of confidence boosting innings. Fakhar Zaman is as good as on his day, the all rounders have been brilliant for Pakistan. Adding quick runs to the total then troubling kiwi batters with ball in hand.
For Pakistan, the bowling trio has been excellent: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan. Rauf has picked back to back four-fers which has put Pakistan on top in both games.
PAK vs NZ Stats & Pitch Report
Four wins for Pakistan is last 5 head to head matches, and New Zealand have lost now four T20I matches in Asia. For Pakistan, things are easier, playing on same Lahore pitch, they will back themselves to give New Zealand another blow.
Anything under 180 has been easily chased down on this track, however, over 180 has proved to be a tough chase and also because of big boundaries.