Cricket Fantasy Predictions Today | NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I- Cricket Exchange Fantasy Teams
NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Cricket Fantasy Tips and Teams (Source: x.com)
The host New Zealand (NZ) will face Pakistan (PAK) in the first T20I match of a Five-match T20I series. The match is all set to take place on Friday, January 12th, 2024 at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand at 11:40 AM IST.
Ahead of the game, here is a look at the top player picks, the important player stats, the top captain and vice-captain choices, and the best predicted XI for the fantasy contests of this encounter.
New Zealand exhibited a commendable performance by clinching the T20I series against Bangladesh at home, albeit facing a rare defeat against them. The return of their regular skipper, Kane Williamson, to the T20I squad after an extended absence is a notable highlight. Williamson, eager to find his form ahead of the fast-approaching T20 World Cup 2024, will aim to swiftly acclimate to the T20 format.
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After enduring a disheartening 3-0 defeat in the recently concluded Test series against Australia, Pakistan are set to embark on a redemption journey as they gear up for a five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
In as many as 34 games played between the two teams, Pakistan have emerged victorious on 20 occasions whereas New Zealand have been on the winning side 13 times. One game ended in no result.
NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Pitch Report
Eden Park Outer Oval adopts a drop-in pitch, renowned for their balanced characteristics. In the initial overs, the ball exhibits good pace and bounce, but as the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, posing challenges for batsmen against spinners and medium pacers.
Eden Park T20I Stats & Records:
Matches Played: 25
Won Batting First: 11
Won Chasing: 14
Average Score: 170
Highest Total: 245
Lowest Total: 76
NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Top Player Picks
Kane Williamson (NZ)
- Williamson has scored 584 runs in 19 innings against the men in green at an average of 36.50, striking at 116.33.
- He has amassed five half-centuries against them and would look to carry his form against the opposition.
Finn Allen (NZ)
- Finn Allen, a dynamic and aggressive opener, complements Williamson’s style. Allen’s explosive batting and fearless stroke play make him a potent force at the top, capable of providing quick starts.
Mitchell Santner (NZ)
- Mitchell Santner, a seasoned all-rounder, contributes significantly with both bat and ball. His left-arm spin adds a valuable spin option to the attack, and his ability to finish innings with the bat makes him a crucial asset.
Azam Khan (PAK)
- Azam Khan, known for his ability to score briskly, particularly in the death overs. His aggressive approach can prove invaluable in setting or chasing challenging targets.
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
- Mohammad Rizwan has been a run-bank for Pakistan in the shortest format of the game. He has featured in 80 T20Is and amassed 2635 runs at an average of 48.79. The ace batter has all the class in the world and could put up a show with the bat on Friday.
Shaheen Afridi (PAK)
- Shaheen Afridi is known to rattle batters with his swing and wreak havoc with the ball. He has bagged 58 wickets in 47 T20Is at an economy of 7.52. The left-arm pacer would like to bring his A-game into play in the forthcoming game.
NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Top Captain and Vice-captain Choices
| Scenario | Captain | Vice-captain |
|---|---|---|
| If New Zealand Bats First | Kane Williamson | Mitchell Santner |
| If Pakistan Bats First | Mohammad Rizwan | Mitchell Santner |
NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Cricket Fantasy Expert Tips
Looking at the squad strength of both the team and recent form, NZ is favourite to win this game. Choose in-form players from both teams for this match. The best-suggested fantasy combination for this game is 3-4-2-2 or 2-4-2-3
NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Cricket Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues
Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Devon Conway
Batters: Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman
All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Iftikhar Ahmed
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Shaheen Afridi
Captain: Kane Williamson
Vice-captain: Mohammad Rizwan
NZ: 5 Players; PAK: 6 Players
NZ vs PAK, 1st T20: Cricket Fantasy Team for Winner Takes All/Grand League
Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Tim Seifert
Batters: Daryl Mitchell, Finn Allen, Babar Azam, Glenn Phillips
All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Aamer Jamal
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr
Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
Vice-captain: Mitchell Santner
NZ: 6 Players; PAK: 5 Players
 "Sanjay Sen")
