 The stage is set for two depleted sides to take each other on, with a point to
prove. Both New Zealand and Pakistan have been in all sorts of trouble.
The series which starts with a T20 at Auckland will provide both the teams to
get hold of the ground and shape their World Cup preparations as it would be their
last outing before World Cup.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Pakistan
The series is important for both teams as they look to seek the lost momentum.
There would be three T20s in series in total. This format of the game always provides
entertainment and mostly close and hard fought matches.
New Zealand after getting beating from India and Bangladesh seek redemption at
home. This perhaps is the format which will suit them most, as they have desperately
struggled in 50 over games recently.
New Zealand has been a tough venue from teams from subcontinent. The series provides
a good opportunity to exploit Pakistan's lack of form and stability. Daniel Vettori,
the New Zealand skipper has a sore back but will hopefully be fit to lead
his side on Sunday.
The conditions at Auckland may give New Zealand seamers some assistance. New Zealand
batting has been struggling for a long time now, and they know it more than ever
that to win a series a combine effort in all departments is required.
James Franklin could be an important player for New Zealand in the game on 26th,
as he had a decent all round outing in India. Ross Taylor needs to find
form urgently and T20 format provides the ideal platform. New Zealand like in
Champions Trophy semi final against Pakistan last year, have the potential to
produce surprising performances.
New Zealand have won two out of their last five T20s.
Pakistan, led by Shahid Afridi would be looking to halt the terrible form they
have experienced in this format.
Once the strongest team in the world in T20s, Pakistan is losing its reputation
quickly in this format. Younis Khan may come out of T20 retirement to boost Pakistan's
middle order which is now supported by the inclusion of promising Asad Shafiq.
Shafiq replaced the left arm pacer Sohail Tanvir who was sidelined by an
injury.
Shoaib Akhtar will add to the best bowling attack in the world in T20s: Umar Gul,
Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal - the top three wicket takers in T20. Batting at
Auckland will certainly be trickier than UAE; it would be interesting to see where Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi go with their hitting form.
Pakistan have lost all five of their last T20s.
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