Summary The first T20 between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in Willington today.
WELLINGTON (Agencies) - Pakistan will be hoping to avenge a chastening ODI whitewash in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins today (Monday) in Wellington. The match will start at 8:00am (PST).
Pakistan come into the series off the back of a brutal ODI whitewash against the same opposition, losing five matches in succession in comprehensive fashion. The T20I series represents a chance for the tourists to salvage some pride but they face an uphill battle against a rampant New Zealand side, who are currently ranked No.1 in the ICC T20I rankings.
Pakistan sit just behind them in second place but the Black Caps have been in impressive form of late, particularly on their home patch. Kane Williamson s side have now won their last 12 completed games across all formats.
Pakistan can take heart from the fact that they have won eight of their last 10 matches in this format but they need their out-of-sorts batting unit to start firing – no easy task in an unfamiliar conditions against a high-class attack. The absence of the rested left-arm quick Trent Boult will come as a relief, although he is set to return later in the series.
New Zealand s last outing in the shortest format came against West Indies in January, when they emerged as comfortable winners.
Teams (possible):
Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (c+wk), Shadab Khan, Aamer Yamin, Mohmmad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir.
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Glenn Phillips (wk), Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ben Wheeler, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi.
