NZ vs PAK Prediction, 1st T20I, Match Winner, Team, Playing XI and Pitch Report

New Zealand will cross swords with Pakistan in the first T20I of the five-match series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, March 16.

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The Black Caps are coming into this series after defeating Sri Lanka by 2-1 in the three-match T20I series in January 2025. They would be hoping to continue their winning momentum.

On the other hand, Pakistan are entering this series after losing to South Africa by 0-2 in the three-match T20I series in December 2024. They would be aiming to reverse their fortunes and start off the series on a winning note.

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I Match Details

Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st T20I

Time & Date: 6:45 AM IST, Sunday, March 16

Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval surface is expected to assist batters right from the powerplay overs. However, in the middle overs, spinners and slow bowlers can dominate the proceedings. The captain winning the toss would love to bat first and put up a big score.

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I Probable XIs

New Zealand

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Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell(c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O'Rourke.

Pakistan

Usman Khan(w), Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha(c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Jahandad Khan.

NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I Winner Prediction

Match Winner: New Zealand

Both New Zealand and Pakistan have strong T20I squads. However, the Black Caps will have a decent momentum on their side, thanks to their home ground. We can expect them to come out on top with a close win over Pakistan and start the series with a 1-0 lead.

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