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Michael Bracewell's New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat against Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, on April 18 (Thursday). Mohammad Amir is all set to make his much-awaited return to International cricket. Three debutants for Pakistan in this match and only one for New Zealand in the form of Tim Robinson. The series is crucial for both sides for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
New Zealand have sent their second string team as their senior players are currently busy with the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League.
Head-to-Head
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other in 39 T20I matches. The Men in Green have won 21 of them, meanwhile, the Blackcaps have only been victorious in 17 of them. One of them ended in no result.
Captains at toss
"We are going to bat, looks a beautiful wicket, want to put some runs on the board. Tim Robinson makes his debut today. Looks a very good wicket," Bracewell after winning the toss.
“We have a good combination, good opportunity to utilize these matches before the World Cup. We would have bowled first because of the overcast conditions and the pitch was under covers. The first six overs are going to be crucial,” said Babar.
PAK vs NZ 1st T20I Playing XIs
Pakistan: Babar Azam(c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Tim Seifert(w), Tim Robinson, Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell(c), Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Ben Lister
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