PAK vs NZ Dream 11 Prediction 1st T20I: Pakistan vs New Zealand playing XI, fantasy team and squads

Preview 

In the middle of all the Indian Premier League (IPL) action, international cricket season returns to Pakistan. New Zealand are touring Pakistan for a five-match T20I series without some of their key players. Rawalpindi will be hosting the first three matches while Lahore will play host to the final two games of the series. 

Pakistan (PAK) will be captained by Babar Azam after Shaheen Afridi was removed from the top job. The left-arm pacer had led his side during the tour of New Zealand earlier this year and lost 4-1. The change in captaincy has created a lot of friction with the T20I World Cup just around the corner. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir are back in the Pakistani colours after the two players decided to revoke their retirements. 

New Zealand (NZ) will be playing without most of their big-name stars who are playing in the IPL across the border. The likes of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and James Neesham will use this as a great chance to stake their claim for a call-up to the national team set-up. Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi too will be in focus as the two bowlers could play a key role with the bat in the spinning tracks of West Indies. 

Match Details 

Match – Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st T20I

Venue – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Date and Time – 18th April 2024, 19:30 IST 

Live TV and OTT Details –FanCode (WEB and OTT) 

Pitch Report 

Rawalpindi has been known to be a great pitch for batting especially under lights. Considering that there could be a dew during the latter half of the game, the skipper winning the toss will want to bowl first. Pacers will enjoy good carry early with the new ball but the batters are set to enjoy the true bounce on the pitch and score loads of runs. 

PAK vs NZ Probable playing XI 

Pakistan 

Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, and Usama Mir

New Zealand 

Tom Blundell, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Mark Chapman, Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Ben Sears and William O Rourke

Top players for PAK vs NZ Dream 11 Match 

Top Players – Pakistan    

Babar Azam – The Pakistani skipper has shown good form with the bat during the PSL 2024 tournament. Pakistan will be hoping that the 29-year-old can continue his rich vein of form and get into the right form for the huge next few months that lay in store. 

Naseem Shah – The right-arm pacer is back in the national set-up after nearly six months out with an injury. The young pacer showed his skills hadn’t diminished as he was a lethal threat with the ball during the PSL 2024 campaign. 

Top Players – New Zealand 

Finn Allen – The young Kiwi star was the best batter for his national side when Pakistan visited New Zealand earlier this year. Finn Allen is a natural attacking batter with the talent to change the course of the game inside the first six overs. 

Ish Sodhi – The onus of picking wickets in the middle overs falls on the shoulders of the experienced Ish Sodhi. The 32-year-old has shown that he is a bowler who can cause damage with the ball, especially in the T20I format. 

PAK vs NZ Must Picks for Dream 11 Cricket 

Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan’s pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi will come into the series with a huge point to prove. The 24-year-old has minced no words when he shared his anger at the captaincy being taken away from him. The upcoming series will be a huge chance for Afridi to prove his point to the selectors. 

Mark Chapman – The left-handed batter has been a consistent performer and a reliable batter. Mark Chapman will want to stake a claim in the Kiwi set-up for the upcoming T20I World Cup in West Indies. One good series away from home can seal the deal and Chapman will be hoping to put big scores on the board. 

Suggested playing XI No.1 for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Cricket Fantasy 

T Seifert, Azam Khan, B Azam, M Chapman, S Ayub (C), J Neesham (VC), I Wasim, M Bracewell, S Afridi, N Shah, and M Amir

Suggested playing XI No.2 for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Cricket Fantasy 

M Rizwan, T Seifert, B Azam (C), S Ayub, S Khan, J Neesham, I Wasim (VC), I Ahmed, N Shah, M Amir, and B Sears. 

PAK vs NZ Risky Captaincy Choices 

Shadab Khan – Pakistani star Shadab Khan is making his return to international cricket after a while now. While his PSL 2024 was decent, the former vice-captain needs to rediscover his form with the ball as soon as possible. 

Michael Bracewell – Before his injury crisis, Michael Bracewell was talked about as the most dangerous finisher in the Kiwi ranks. Playing his first international series for a year, Bracewell could take time to get back into the scheme of things. 

Players, you should avoid 

Mohammad Amir – The left-arm pacer is making his return to international cricket after 5 years. At the age of 32, Amir is still a huge threat with the ball as seen during the PSL 2024. While his class is undeniable, playing international cricket is a different beast compared to franchise cricket. 

Adam Milne – Once spoken about as the heir apparent to Shane Bond, the career of Adam Milne has been blighted by injuries. The 32-year-old has picked up wickets but has been very expensive with the ball and this could come back to haunt the visitors.