 Pakistan will play New Zealand in the second T20I of the series. New Zealand
lead the series 1-0. New Zealand won comprehensively against Pakistan in the first
game of the three T20 matches. It was a very welcome win at Auckland at New Zealand
ended a losing streak of 11 matches, but for Pakistan the misery continues.
New Zealand rounded off a great all round performance by winning with 17 balls
and four wickets to spare. The two teams face each other for the second game
at Hamilton on December 28.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Pakistan
New Zealand have rested Daniel Vettori for the series, Ross Taylor his
replacement did a wonderful job and saw his side home with a captain's knock
at Auckland. Changes might be on for both teams for Thursday's game. It would
be interesting to see if Adam Milne and Dean Brownline are given another chance.
Tim Southee would be confident after becoming only the third bowler in the
format to take a hat trick. Scott Styris has and will continue to play a tidy
all round role. New Zealand might miss a spinner as Nathan McCullum is not quite
as spectacular as Vettori.
James Franklin after improving his batting suddenly has become an integral
part of the time as all round prospect. It was a team effort at Auckland that
New Zealand would love to duplicate at Hamilton. Their cricket is facing all
sorts of troubles now, a series win would be a welcome relief.
New Zealand have won three of their last five T20s
Pakistan, once regarded as the best team in the T20 is losing ground quickly.
They might feel that couple of crucial decisions went against them at Auckland.
New Zealand have all the momentum and Pakistan are pushed to sidelines straightaway
after losing a International and a tour game T20.
Shahid Afridi's stint as an opener didn't get to an ideal start. Pakistan might
re-consider their opening strategy for Thursday's T20. Younis Khan's return
to T20 was dismal with Fawad Alam and Abdur Razzaq failing to fire as
well. Ordinary performance with the bat and bowl leave Pakistan on the brink
of losing series, they now have to win both the remaining games. It would be
interesting to see if Pakistan retain Ahmad Shehzad, Fawad Alam and even Younis Khan for the second match on December 28.
The wicket may offer some seam movement which was lacking at Auckland. It would
be a must win game for Pakistan and they have to find their feet quickly.
Pakistan have lost all five of their T20 matches recently.
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