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The second Pakistan-New Zealand T20I will take place at the University Oval in Dunedin. The series had commenced on a winning note for New Zealand with the first T20I played at Christchurch being won by New Zealand by 9 wickets over Pakistan.
Pakistan were bowled out for a mere 91 runs, their lowest in a New Zealand T20I. Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy tore into Pakistan’s batting line-up, taking three and four wickets, respectively. New Zealand chased down the target in 10.1 overs, with Tim Seifert scoring 44 runs. With both teams vying to show their strength and gain momentum before the next T20 World Cup, after an intriguing beginning to the series, the two teams will be vying to show their strength. With some out-of-the-box changes made by Pakistan in their game plan, like the dropping of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, and New Zealand fielding a second-string team owing to IPL commitments, this game is a promising one.
New Zealand’s recent form in T20Is
New Zealand enter this match following a good show in the first T20I, in which they thrashed Pakistan. New Zealand’s recent run has been patchy, having reached the ICC Champions Trophy final, where they were defeated by India. Just seven players from that team feature in this T20I series due to their IPL commitments. New Zealand won 2-1 against Sri Lanka in a home series, showcasing their depth despite missing key players, the recent win against Pakistan being an example. Key players have been Duffy, who led New Zealand to make a turning point in the first T20I with four wickets, and Finn Allen, who has played well in the top-order.
The Black Caps are being captained by Michael Bracewell in this series, with Allen, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell expected to handle the batting. They are led by the likes of Jamieson and Duffy, with support from spinners such as Ish Sodhi.
Pakistan’s recent form in T20Is
Pakistan look to make amends after a tepid series-opener and underwhelming ICC Champions Trophy on home turf. The team has also made major changes, with experienced cricketers Babar and Rizwan being omitted from the T20I team. Led by new captain Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan strive to play some aggressive brand of cricket with Mohammad Haris, Omair Yousuf, and new addition Hasan Nawaz leading the charge. In their recent five games, Pakistan struggled, including the recent defeat against New Zealand. But they have given some hope with new stars emerging. The team management has been trying to play “fearless” cricket ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. The bowling is the strength of Pakistan with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf leading the pace attack, supported by spinners Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed.
Weather Report: Will rain be a spoilsport?
The Dunedin weather forecast indicates difficult weather for cricket. It will be approximately 12°C at 2 PM and a 58% chance of rain. Rain will grow heavier by 3 pm (local time) with a 66% chance; there will also be strong southwest winds of 30 kmph. Cloudy weather with diminishing rain chances (34% by 5 pm) will be felt from 4 pm. The cold temperature coupled with intermittent rain is expected to cause interruptions or make the game difficult for batters. Bowlers may have the upper hand with swing because of humidity in the air.
University Oval Pitch Report
University Oval has typically offered pace to pacemen in the early stages because of the grassy and cold condition of the ground. The ball will definitely swing a lot in the initial overs, and therefore it is extremely essential that the batsmen play cautiously. The pitch becomes easier as the match progresses, and stroke play is easy. Spinners could get turn at the latter end of the match if it is overcast. With the weather forecast, franchises can opt to pursue since rain breaks can influence calculations in DLS.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy sizzle in New Zealand’s emphatic win over Pakistan in 1st T20I
Squads:
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Kyle Jamieson, William O Rourke, Mitchell Hay
Pakistan: Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan (wk), Abdul Samad, Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan
