Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Date & Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 6:45 AM IST
Live Streaming & Broadcast: Sony Sports Network, FanCode (app & website)
Teams Overview
New Zealand
New Zealand comes into this series with a squad missing several key players due to IPL commitments. Michael Bracewell will lead the team in Mitchell Santner’s absence. After finishing as runners-up in the Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand will aim to assert dominance at home.
The batting will revolve around Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell, while all-rounders James Neesham and Michael Bracewell will provide balance. The pace attack, featuring Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, and Jacob Duffy, will be crucial in home conditions.
New Zealand recently played a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, winning 2-1.
Pakistan
Pakistan has undergone major changes following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, where they failed to reach the knockouts. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been dropped, with Salman Ali Agha taking over as captain. Shadab Khan has been named vice-captain.
Their recent T20I series in South Africa ended in a 2-0 defeat, with the final game abandoned due to rain. The absence of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub weakens their batting, and the bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, will have to step up.
Pakistan has been under heavy criticism after their Champions Trophy exit, making this series crucial for rebuilding confidence.
Key Players to Watch
New Zealand
- Finn Allen – Aggressive opener with the ability to dominate the powerplay.
- Michael Bracewell (c) – Captain and key all-rounder.
- James Neesham – Reliable all-rounder with finishing abilities.
- Kyle Jamieson – Leading pacer with bounce and swing in his favor.
Pakistan
- Salman Ali Agha (c) – Leading Pakistan for the first time in T20Is.
- Mohammad Haris – Explosive middle-order batter.
- Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s top pacer, crucial with the new ball.
- Shadab Khan – All-rounder expected to contribute with both bat and ball.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches Played: 44
New Zealand Wins: 23
Pakistan Wins: 19
Tied: 0
No Result: 2
First-Ever Fixture: September 22, 2007
Most Recent Fixture: April 27, 2024
Pitch Report – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- Batting-friendly pitch with some early movement for pacers.
- Seamers will get help in the first few overs.
- The pitch tends to flatten out as the game progresses, making stroke play easier.
- Teams winning the toss might prefer to chase.
Average 1st Innings Score: 165-180
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand (Predicted XI)
- Tim Robinson
- Finn Allen
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Michael Bracewell (c)
- James Neesham
- Kyle Jamieson
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
- William O’Rourke
Pakistan (Predicted XI)
- Omair Yousuf
- Hasan Nawaz
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Usman Khan (wk)
- Mohammad Haris
- Khushdil Shah
- Abdul Samad
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Abbas Afridi
- Haris Rauf
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
-
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Probable Match Scenarios
- If New Zealand bats first: They will aim for a total above 180, relying on their aggressive top order. Pakistan’s pacers will need early breakthroughs.
- If Pakistan bats first: A target of 160-170 could be competitive, but their middle order needs to step up.
- Battle of Spinners: Shadab Khan and Ish Sodhi could play key roles in slowing the scoring rate during the middle overs.
Match Prediction
- New Zealand starts as the favorites due to home conditions and a settled squad.
- Pakistan’s inexperienced batting lineup could struggle against New Zealand’s bowlers.
- Toss could be crucial, with chasing teams likely having an advantage.
Prediction: New Zealand to win the 1st T20I.
This match will be a real test for Pakistan’s young squad, while New Zealand will look to take advantage of home conditions and set the tone for the series.