New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st T20I Preview: Date, Time, Dream11 Tips, and More
The Pakistan Tour of New Zealand 2025 kicks off with the first T20I match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on March 16th at 6:45 AM IST. This match promises to be an exciting contest between two competitive sides.
Match Insights and Dream11 Predictions
Get the best NZ vs PAK Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and expert analysis for the first T20I. Here’s everything you need to know:
NZ vs PAK Match Preview
The series opener marks the start of a thrilling tour featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand, while Salman Ali Agha will captain Pakistan. Both teams boast key players who could turn the game in their favor.
Key Players to Watch:
- New Zealand: Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Ish Sodhi
- Pakistan: Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Haris
In their T20I head-to-head record, Pakistan holds a slight edge with 23 wins compared to New Zealand’s 19 victories. Expect a closely fought encounter in Christchurch.
NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head Record
| Teams | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 19 |
| Pakistan | 23 |
Weather & Pitch Report
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 15°C |
| Weather Forecast | Broken Clouds |
| Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
| Best Suited To | Pace |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 167 |
Predicted Playing XIs
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, Tim Robinson
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Jahandad Khan
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
Captaincy Picks:
- Daryl Mitchell: A reliable middle-order batter and medium-pace bowler.
- Michael Bracewell: A versatile left-handed batter and handy off-spinner.
Top Picks:
- Shadab Khan: A dynamic all-rounder known for his leg-spin and aggressive batting.
- Agha Salman: A skilled batter and useful off-spinner.
Budget Picks:
- Khushdil Shah: A left-handed batter and left-arm spinner.
- Jimmy Neesham: A hard-hitting batter and medium-fast bowler.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:
- Captain: Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell
- Vice-Captain: Agha Salman, Shadab Khan
Dream11 Team Suggestions
Team 1:
- Keepers: Tim Seifert, Mohammad Haris
- Batters: Daryl Mitchell, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman
- All-rounders: Michael Bracewell (c), Agha Salman (vc), Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, James Neesham
- Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi
Team 2:
- Keeper: Tim Seifert
- Batters: Daryl Mitchell (C), Finn Allen
- All-rounders: James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan (VC), Khushdil Shah
- Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, William O’Rourke
Players to Avoid
- Jacob Duffy: 7.0 credits, no recent performance data.
- Omair Bin Yousuf: 7.0 credits, no recent performance data.
Expert Advice
- SL Captaincy Choice: Michael Bracewell
- GL Captaincy Choice: Daryl Mitchell
- Punt Picks: Khushdil Shah, William O’Rourke
- Dream11 Combination: 2-3-5-1
Match Winner Prediction
Considering the team combination and home advantage, New Zealand is expected to win the first T20I.
Stay tuned for an action-packed contest as these two cricketing giants battle it out in Christchurch!
