Jonhenry Wilson previews the second T20 International between Pakistan and New Zealand which will take place on Friday 2 November in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan’s recent T20Is all seem to have followed the same pattern, but New Zealand did their best to disrupt the sequence in Abu Dhabi.
The Black Caps ran them close, very nearly chasing down a target of 147, but in the end Pakistan’s bowlers won the day.
Pakistan vs New Zealand | Friday, 2 November | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium | 18:00
To Win Match
Pakistan 57/100
Tie 35/1
New Zealand 14/10
Pakistan
A rare failure for Babar Azam put the Pakistan middle-order under pressure and further highlighted the lack of runs for his opening partners Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan. Fakhar is likely to return and enjoy an extended run in the side, though, given his promise and the injury to Imam Ul-Haq which limits options.
Pakistan’s bowlers have carried the team to the number one ranking in T20I cricket, but the batsmen need to come to the party.
Mohammad Hafeez has been the most consistent batsman, but if Babar Azam doesn’t fire, Pakistan will always struggle to get beyond the 150 mark and New Zealand will get better as this series goes on.
Imad Wasim continues to be a key player for Pakistan, taking the new ball, even if Colin Munro was able to get him away a little better than Australia’s top-order had been able to.
New Zealand
The Black Caps will take heart from running Pakistan close in Abu Dhabi – and will be confident that they can do the same in Dubai.
Form opener Glenn Phillips misfired in the opening game, as did Kane Williamson, but Munro hit the ground running and gave New Zealand a shot at victory with a well-paced half-ton on a tricky surface.
Ross Taylor ran out of steam towards the end and couldn’t get New Zealand over the line, but played well for his runs – and will hope to build on the performance.
Paceman Adam Milne and spinner Ish Sodhi looked the best of the Black Caps’ bowlers, showing that different types of bowlers can be successful in the UAE.
Verdict: New Zealand 14/10
New Zealand are a smart side. Expect them to come up with a plan to match Pakistan in Dubai.
