NZ vs PAK Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | 1st T20I, Preview & Analysis

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 :​​ NEW ZEALAND vs PAKISTAN
𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : March 16, Sunday
𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 6:45 AM IST
𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 : Hagley Oval, Christchurch
𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : 1st T20I, 2025

---

Pakistan begins a new journey again. Their team has been in terminal decline, and Pakistan is deciding to do without Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, anchors who are finally seen as out of place for the shortest format. Agha Salman comes into the firing line, while Shadab Khan makes a comeback after the T20 World Cup. New Zealand, a few days after the Champions Trophy, is back on the field. Four players remain from the ones who took the field in the Final. The series provides the likes of Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham and Ish Sodhi to push for regular spots after they make themselves available for all T20Is with the T20 World Cup next on the horizon.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the last five games: 167

Average Score Batting Second in the last five games: 151

Wins Batting First in the last five games: 2

Wins Batting Second in the last five games: 3

Batting second has worked well in the last few games.

---

NZ vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

PAK Playing XI

Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Haris, Usman Khan, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem

NZ Playing XI

Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay/ Tim Seifert, Jimmy Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Will O Rourkee, Ben Sears

NZ vs PAK Key Players

Jimmy Neesham

Neesham comes back to the national side. He will be eager to push strong here with his all-round ability still valuable but his consistency a concern.

Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan is another player making a comeback having last played in the T20 World Cup last year. He is now the vice-captain with his experience and leadership seen as an important factor. 

NZ vs PAK Match Tips

Both teams are a little short on experience and home advantage could keep New Zealand favorites to start.

About The Author