In the lead-up to the highly anticipated men’s ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for June, cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as New Zealand and Pakistan prepare to engage in a gripping five-match T20 International series, commencing on January 12. The series holds immense significance for both teams as they seek to fine-tune their strategies and solidify their lineups in preparation for the global T20 showdown.
A major boost for the Kiwis comes in the form of the return of their cricket maestro, Kane Williamson, who is set to resume his role as the T20I captain. Williamson’s return adds an extra layer of anticipation to the series, promising fans an exhilarating display of cricketing prowess.
On the opposing side, Pakistan are gearing up under the leadership of the talented Shaheen Afridi. Known for his exceptional bowling skills, Afridi is poised to lead the team with tenacity and strategic acumen.
T20I Stats and Records at Eden Park:
- Total matches: 28
- Matches won batting first: 11
- Matches won bowling first: 12
- Average 1st Inns scores: 160
- Average 2nd Inns scores: 148
- Highest total recorded: 245/5 (18.5 Ov) by Australia vs New Zealand
- Lowest total recorded: 76/10 (9.3 Ov) by Bangladesh vs New Zealand
- Highest score chased: 245/5 (18.5 Ov) by Australia vs New Zealand
- Lowest score defended: 108/6 (20 Ov) by England Women vs New Zealand Women
Eden Park Pitch Report:
Eden Park has a drop-in pitch which has a long-standing reputation for favoring bowlers. During the initial phases of the match, fast bowlers are predicted to encounter significant seam movement, particularly with the new ball. However, as the game progresses, spinners are expected to play a more influential role, taking advantage of the pitch’s gradual loss of pace.
Also READ: NZ vs PAK 1st T20I – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2024
Auckland Weather Forecast:
The weather forecast for the upcoming New Zealand vs Pakistan match in Auckland suggests a favorable outlook for a complete game, as it is expected to be mostly sunny with only a 5% chance of precipitation. The humidity is projected to be around 63%, and the wind speed is forecasted to be 14 kilometers per hour.
NZ vs PAK, Probable Playing XIs:
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed.
![AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Ricky Ponting’s double standards criticizing Virat Kohli while ignoring his own past in the 4th Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ricky-Pontings-double-standards-criticizing-Virat-Kohli-while-ignoring-his-own-past-in-AUS-vs-IND-4th-Test-goes-viral.jpg "AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Ricky Ponting’s double standards criticizing Virat Kohli while ignoring his own past in the 4th Test")
