Predicting New Zealand’s Playing XI for the first T20I against Pakistan

New Zealand begin their home series against Pakistan with the first T20I match that is set to be played on Sunday. The Black Caps have many of their main players missing as they are set to play in the Indian Premier League tournament starting on 22^nd March. New Zealand are back home after losing the finals of the Champions Trophy to India.

Michael Bracewell has been named as the captain of the side which also features the likes of Ish Sodhi and James Neesham. The series is a huge chance for some of the fringe players to stake their claim to the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup early next year in India and Sri Lanka.

Here is the likely NZ XI vs PAK in first T20I game

Top order – Finn Allen and Tim Seifert

New Zealand will open with Finn Allen and Tim Seifert at the top of the order. Both are naturally attacking batters with the ability to dominate the bowlers. Finn Allen in particular has been destructive with the bat in the first six overs of the game. Tim Seifert on the other hand can drop anchor as well as play attacking cricket as the situation demands.

Middle Order – Mark Chapman, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell

The middle-order features two batters in Mark Chapman and Tim Robinson who will be keen to stake their place on a consistent basis in the T20I format. Both Chapman and Robinson have already played international cricket and are able run scorers. Veteran all-rounder Daryl Mitchell will be the key with the bat and also contribute with the ball in the coming series.

Lower-order- Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson

Skipper Michael Bracewell scored a fifty in the CT2025 final and also bowled well. Bracewell has been one of the most consistent players with the ball as he can take key wickets. The 34-year-old is also destructive with the bat in the lower order. James Neesham who has been in and out of the team gets yet another chance to prove his worth and will want to do well with the bat and ball. Kyle Jamieson has finally put his injuries behind and will look to make up for lost time with the bat and also with the ball.

Tail enders – William O Rourke, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy

Ish Sodhi who has been out of the team for a while gets a recall to show his current form with the ball. Matt Henry’s injury means that Jacob Duffy gets a chance to share the new ball attack with William O Rourke. The latter has been impressing everyone ever since his debut and has bowled with great pace and skill.

NZXI vs PAK

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, William O Rourke.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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