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The second T20 of the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand kicks off on April 20th at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This crucial encounter for both sides serves as a stepping stone in their quest for glory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Rain, unfortunately, washed out the series opener after just two balls being bowled. With Michael Bracewell leading New Zealand and Babar Azam captaining Pakistan, both teams will be hungry to assert dominance and build momentum ahead of the World Cup.
T20I Stats and Records at Rawalpindi:
- Total matches: 06
- Matches won batting first: 0
- Matches won bowling first: 04
- Average 1st Inns scores: 129
- Average 2nd Inns scores: 154
- Highest total recorded: 194/4 (19.2 Ov) by New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Lowest total recorded: 129/9 (20 Ov) by Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
- Highest score chased: 194/4 (19.2 Ov) by New Zealand vs Pakistan
Rawalpindi Pitch Report:
The Rawalpindi pitch is expected to be a batter’s paradise, with Saturday’s T20 encounter likely producing high scores. While early swing and bounce may assist pace bowlers initially, these advantages are predicted to diminish as the innings unfolds. Spinners could then come into play, potentially exploiting a drying surface to take wickets. However, the unpredictable weather forecast with a chance of rain adds an interesting twist. A damp pitch could favor spinners earlier in the innings. Therefore, the team that adapts best to the evolving conditions will likely hold the edge in this high-scoring T20 battle.
Rawalpindi Weather Forecast:
Rain threatens to disrupt the 2nd T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Rawalpindi. Forecasts predict a high chance of rain, with precipitation estimates hovering around 20%. While wind speeds are expected to be moderate at 13 kilometres per hour, it’s possible this reading reflects another weather factor. Humidity levels will likely be around 59%, which is fairly typical for the region. In conclusion, rain poses the biggest threat to a full match being played.
Also READ: WATCH: Shaheen Afridi castles Tim Robinson with a ripper in PAK vs NZ 1st T20I
PAK vs NZ, Probable Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Dean Foxcroft, Josh Clarkson, Tim Robinson, Michael Bracewell (c), James Neesham, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister
