The second T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan is all set to commence on a super Sunday. The first game saw a spirited Pakistan side run the Kiwis close with a ball in hand. Despite Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi picking five wickets between them, Tim Seifert ensured that the hosts got off to a winning start in this series. The task gets even tougher for the tourists with the big guns, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson returning to the T20I side. Boasting a well-balanced side, led by the calm and composed Kane Williamson, New Zealand would look forward to sealing a series win on Sunday.

Match Details:

Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I

Date: 20th December 2020, at 11:30 AM IST

Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton

What To Expect:

A high-scoring game beckons at the Seddon Park with there being little help on offer for the bowlers. The ball should come on fairly well with extra bounce available for the pacers. However, the margin for error is quite small, given the dimensions of the ground, which should play into the hands of the batsmen. With dew also possibly playing a part, both teams would ideally want to chase upon winning the toss. 180 is par at this venue although both teams are capable of breaching it with ease

New Zealand:

 

The senior pros are back for the second T20I and are all set to grab their places.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway/Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi and Kyle Jamieson

Pakistan:

 

However, Pakistan cannot be taken lightly at all, especially in this format. With the likes of Haider Ali and captain Shadab Khan capable of winning matches single-handedly, Pakistan will eye revenge in this fixture. Given how Shaheen and Rauf performed in the previous game, the Kiwis are in for a tough test in Hamilton.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Mohd Rizwan (WK), Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Mohd Hafeez, Shadab Khan (C), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf

By Arvind Krishnan

Cricket writer, statistician and analyst. An unorthodox media student, marketing runs in his blood. Sports Marketer and analyst.