PAK vs NZ T20I Series 2024: Predicting Top Run-Scorers and Wicket-Takers

Pakistan will host New Zealand in a five-match T20I series starting on Thursday, April 18. The first three matches will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and the subsequent two games will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both the teams have played a lot of matches in recent times and will be looking to better their head-to-head records in another riveting series. 

Earlier this year, Pakistan toured New Zealand and the home side took a landslide 4-1 in the five-match T20I series. The Black Caps went on to win four matches on the trot and gave the visitors a consolation in the last match. Kiwi wicket-keeper batter Finn Allen was named Player of the Match for his consistent performance as he finished top-scorer with 275 runs at an average of 55 including a century. 

As New Zealand set to tour their homeland, this time the Men in Green will be out for revenge. The upcoming series will also play an important role in preparation for both teams ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off in the West Indies/USA in June.

Here are the three predicted top run-scorers and wicket-takers in the PAK vs NZ five-match T20 series:

Batters

3. Babar Azam

After Pakistan's humiliating 4-1 loss to New Zealand earlier this year, Shaheen Afridi was removed from the T20I captaincy and handed back control in limited-overs cricket to Babar Azam. The star batter is in fine form and notably, he was the second-highest run-scorer when the two teams met in January 2024. 

The right-hander amassed 213 runs in five matches at an average of 42.60 and a strike rate of 142.00. He also added three fifties to his credit. Babar will be eager to score runs in his second chapter and start the WC preparations on a high. 

2. Mark Chapman

Mark Chapman had a decent outing when New Zealand toured Pakistan last year. He had the third-best strike rate with 118 runs from five matches. However, he failed to live up to expectations in the home series, scoring just 35 runs.

The southpaw is a proven player against spin and has an attacking attitude regardless of batting position. Chapman will aim to accumulate as many runs as possible to secure his place in the T20 World Cup. 

1. Saim Ayub

Saim Ayub is in the early stages of his career having played only 12 international T20 matches. He scored only 162 runs on those occasions but grabbed the attention of the Pakistani cricket fraternity with his stylish batting. 

The left-hander was given the opening slot, replacing Babar Azam. He had a forgettable outing in New Zealand in January, scoring 39 runs in four innings. The 21-year-old is aiming to make up for it with a strong campaign in the upcoming series. 

Bowlers

3. Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir made his return to the national setup after coming out of retirement. The left-arm pacer did well in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and will look to carry on the form with Pakistan. He is coming after a long hiatus but his experience will make him a top contender in this category. 

Amir has grabbed a total of 59 wickets in 50 T20I matches with a best figure of 4/13. His form is crucial for Pakistan as the T20 World Cup approaches. The 32-year-old is known for taking wickets in the Powerplay and Pakistan will be hoping for similar exploits from him this time around. 

2. Ish Sodhi 

Ish Sodhi is an experienced campaigner and he will bring all his experience to trouble the Pakistan batting unit with his spin magic. Sodhi had taken four wickets when New Zealand toured Pakistan last year. He bettered his stats with six scalps in the home series. 

The right-arm leg-spinner has played 111 T20 matches and taken 132 wickets. He will be New Zealand's trump card in the middle overs to dry up Pakistan's scoring rate. 

1. Shaheen Afridi

With captaincy no longer a burden on him, Shaheen Shah Afridi could be more lethal. The left-arm pacer is known as a troublemaker with the new ball. The Rawalpindi surface initially gives the pacers swing and Shaheen aims to unsettle the opposition batting unit with his skills. 

When the two teams met in Pakistan last year, the elite pacer took eight wickets in four matches to become the second-leading wicket-taker in the series. He was also the second-highest wicket-taker in the January series as he took nine wickets in five matches.