HAMILTON, New Zealand: After exposing a fragile New Zealand batting in their stunning 16 run victory in the first Twenty20 international (T20I), Pakistan will look to take the momentum in the second match of the series to be played at Hamilton on Sunday (today).
At the moment, positives rain for the men in green with World T20 looming around the corner. Shahid Afridi led from the front with a superb all-round performance in the previous game to pick the man-of-the-match award. It is the quality and experience in Pakistan’s attack that appears to be the greatest threat to New Zealand in this series.
In Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul and Mohammad Amir, the visitors have three sharp quicks, each with his own particular mode of attack. Imad Wasim has delivered tight left-arm spin since his arrival at the top level last year, while Afridi’s legspin continues to prosper. Shoaib Malik’s part-time offbreaks also offer an added option in the bowling department.
According to New Zealand coach Mike Hesson, Afridi’s role will be pivotal for the visitors as he may pose serious problem for Kiwis with the bat and with his effective bowling.
“We have came across Afridi a few times in T20 games and have a number of plans for him, but if you don’t execute (them) then he is able to take you apart,” said Hesson.
“With the ball, we were able to take to him early (in the first T20) but he came back really well,” he added.
For New Zealand, the biggest concern would be their rusty batting. With Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner and Luke Ronchi all falling for single figures and within 18 runs of each other at Auckland, the batsmen will have a lot to prove.
The hosts were without their best bowler Tim Southee and most experienced batsman Ross Taylor in the first game. Taylor’s likely return will bolster the middle order.
The openers will be eager to regain their tone-setting form as well. Kane Williamson was made to seem human in the first match, having dropped a catch, run his partner out, and made a stalling start to his own innings.
Colin Munro has one foot in the World T20 squad. Another decent innings in either of the two coming matches will ensure he is on the flight to India.
Taylor’s return will probably force one of the frontline spinners out of the side. With New Zealand having seen plenty of Mitchell Santner over their summer, they may give Todd Astle another run. Mitchell McClenaghan should also be in the team, depending on whether he has recovered from the niggle that kept him out on Friday. Pakistan are expected to keep an unchanged side.
Teams (probable):
Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Sohaib Maqsood, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (captain), Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Mohammad Amir.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro Corey Anderson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi (wk), Todd Astle, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.
Today’s match
2nd T20 International
Pakistan vs New Zealand 11:00 am (PST)