New Zealand vs Pakistan 2nd T20
15 Apr 2023
After a big win from Pakistan in Match 1, New Zealand will be looking to recover.
Match Overview
Pakistan is set to play New Zealand in the second T20 international match of a five-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. After dominating the first match, Pakistan is expected to maintain their form for this game. The Pakistani team is being led by Babar Azam, while the New Zealanders will depend on Tom Latham, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Will Young, James Neesham, and Daryl Mitchell to score most of the runs in this game. Pakistan has won 18 out of 29 T20 international matches played against New Zealand so far.
Team Overviews
In the first game, Saim Ayyub was the top scorer for Pakistan, while Haris Rauf was the standout performer with the ball. Pakistan will be hoping to repeat their first-game heroics in the second match and secure the series.
On the other hand, New Zealand, who struggled in the first game, will be looking to level the series. The bowling department will rely on fast bowlers Adam Milne, Matt Henry, and Ben Lister, while spinners Rachin Ravindra and Ish Sodhi will be tasked with taking timely breakthroughs.
New Zealand will not have the services of some of their top players such as Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, Devon Conway, and Kane Williamson for the second game. Latham and Chapman tried to stabilize the innings in the first game, but the required run rate kept on rising. However, with the series on the line, the Kiwis will be looking to put up a better fight and make a comeback.
Betting Tips
After the mauling they provided to the New Zealand outfit in the first match, the Pakistani team will be brimming with confidence for this game. They are also fielding their full side in the competition. So, they start as firm favorites to win this match and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Players such as Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Saim Ayyub put in a top performance for the Pakistan team in the first game. The Pakistan team will be eyeing another win in the match and consolidate their lead further in the series.
Picks:
Pakistan - Win
Babar Azam - Top Pakistan Runscorer