With the Test series concluded, New Zealand are looking to keep their strong form against Pakistan at home alive as we enter the short-form of the games for the tour. Join The Roar for live scores from 5pm (AEDT).
The Kiwis have been in excellent form on home soil, winning both Tests by seven wickets and 119 runs respectively.
This is unsurprising, as Pakistan have been poor away from the heat of their new ‘home’ in the UAE, and struggled with the fast-bowler friendly wickets of New Zealand. Conversely, the Black Caps lost all their games in the UAE. Coincidence? I think not.
In addition to the condition woes, Umar Akmal has been slapped with a one-match ban for failing to adhere to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s dress code. He wore a logo that was not approved by the PCB, and was banned by the referee.
Kane Williamson will be the player to watch, having taken over from Brendon McCullum as captain. His form with the bat is not just important for this series, but for curious Australians gearing up for the tour in February. He is a bona fide superstar and adds so much to the future of New Zealand cricket, but how will he cope with the captaincy pressure?
Prediction
New Zealand for the win. Without Misbah Ul-Haq and further dramas, I can’t see Pakistan winning this one.
Join The Roar for live scores of this first T20 from 5:00pm (AEDT). If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Aamir
Guest
pakistan definitely gonna with this one lads
Wasted1
Guest
They were terribly impatient. Lacking some old heads to calm things down for sure. Williamson just wasn't hitting it well enough to be able to chase this down on his own. Not to take anything away from Pakistan though, that was one of the best games I've seen them play recently. They just seemed to have so much enthusiasm than the last time they were here. It was fantastic to watch!
hog
Guest
poor NZ middle order