NZ vs PAK 2025: New Zealand’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan

The upcoming five-match T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the shortest format of the game.

Michael Bracewell to lead New Zealand

Michael Bracewell will captain New Zealand in this series. He aims to build on the good work done by regular white-ball captain Mitchell Santnerwho is unavailable due to IPL commitments. The Black Caps will miss key players like Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillipsand Rachin ravindrabut they have a strong squad with players who have performed well in recent matches.

A team with several new faces for Pakistan

Pakistan have shown inconsistency in recent matches, including a disappointing performance in the recently-concluded Champions Trophy which they hosted as well. Senior players like Babar azam and Mohammad Rizwan are unavailable for this series. Salman Agha‘s leadership and batting form will be pivotal in determining Pakistan’s success in the series.

New Zealand’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan

1. Find Allen (Opener)

• Role: Explosive opening batter
• Strength: Finn Allen is one of the most aggressive top-order batters in T20 cricket. His ability to take on bowlers from the very first ball makes him a key player in the powerplay. He has a high strike rate and can take down both pace and spin with fearless hitting.
• Expectations: New Zealand will rely on Allen to provide quick starts. He needs to focus on converting his starts into big scores rather than throwing his wicket away early. If he gets going, he can put Pakistan’s bowlers under serious pressure.

2. Tim Seifert (WK & Opener)

• Role: Wicketkeeper-batter, aggressive opener
• Strength: Seifert brings stability to the opening pair while maintaining a good scoring rate. He has a wide range of shots and is comfortable against both pace and spin. His wicketkeeping skills add additional value to the squad.
• Expectations: He is expected to anchor the innings if Finn Allen departs early. Seifert can also accelerate when needed, making him an important player in the first six overs. Additionally, his work behind the stumps will be crucial in keeping Pakistan’s batters in check.

3. Mark Chapman (Middle Order Batter)

• Role: Middle-order stabilizer
• Strength: Chapman is a consistent performer who can anchor the innings if early wickets fall. He plays spin well, making him a crucial asset, especially in the middle overs. His ability to find gaps and rotate strike keeps the scoreboard ticking.
• Expectations: He needs to play the role of a stabilizer in case of early collapses while ensuring that the run rate does not drop. He can also finish games if he stays till the death overs. His experience in high-pressure matches makes him a key figure.

4. Daryl Mitchell (All-rounder)

• Role: Middle-order batter & medium-pace bowler
• Strength: Mitchell is a proven match-winner with both bat and ball. He thrives under pressure and has the ability to play long innings while accelerating at the right time. His handy medium pace gives the team an extra bowling option.
• Expectations: New Zealand will expect him to play a finisher’s role, ensuring the team has a strong total. He should also contribute with the ball by bowling a few overs when needed, especially against middle-order batters.

Also READ: NZ vs PAK 2025: Pakistan’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand

5. James Neesham (All-rounder)

• Role: Batting all-rounder & death bowler
• Strength: Neesham is one of the most destructive lower-order batters in T20s. He can clear the boundary with ease and is known for his ability to finish matches. With the ball, he is effective in the death overs and can provide breakthroughs when needed.
• Expectations: His role is to finish the innings with quick runs, adding 20-30 runs in the final overs. With the ball, he needs to step up in crucial moments and control the run flow in the death overs.

6. Michael Bracewell (Captain & All-rounder)

• Role: Middle-order batter & off-spinner (Captain)
• Strength: Bracewell’s biggest strength is his versatility. He can play an anchor role or go after the bowlers when required. His off-spin is highly effective in T20 cricket, and he has the ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs. His leadership qualities make him a natural choice for captaincy.
• Expectations: As captain, he will need to make tactical decisions that put New Zealand in a winning position. With the bat, he should provide stability, and with the ball, he should take key wickets to break partnerships.

7. Ish Sodhi (Leg-spinner)

• Role: Wicket-taking bowler in the middle overs
• Strength: Sodhi is New Zealand’s premier leg-spinner with a proven track record in T20 cricket. He has excellent variations, making him a threat against aggressive batters. His ability to turn the ball and deceive batters is a major asset.
• Expectations: He needs to control the middle overs and provide crucial breakthroughs. If he can get the opposition’s key batters out, New Zealand will be in a strong position. His economy rate will also be important in keeping Pakistan’s run rate down.

8. Ben Sears (Fast Bowler)

• Role: Express pace bowler
• Strength: Sears brings raw pace to the attack. He is capable of bowling above 140 km/h consistently and can generate steep bounce, making it difficult for batters to settle. He is particularly effective in the powerplay and at the death.
• Expectations: Sears will be expected to strike early with the new ball, removing Pakistan’s top order quickly. In the death overs, he needs to maintain accuracy and avoid leaking runs.

9. Kyle Jamieson (Fast Bowler)

• Role: All-round fast bowler
• Strength: Jamieson’s height gives him a natural advantage, allowing him to generate extra bounce. He is an excellent bowler in the middle overs and can restrict runs effectively. Additionally, he is a capable lower-order batter who can hit big shots when needed.
• Expectations: He will be crucial in the middle overs, building pressure on the batters. He should also contribute with a few big hits in the final overs if required.

10. Jacob Duffy (Fast Bowler)

• Role: Swing bowler with new ball
• Strength: Duffy is an excellent swing bowler who can trouble batters with movement in the air. He is particularly dangerous in the powerplay, where he looks for early wickets. His disciplined line and length make him a reliable bowler.
• Expectations: He needs to take wickets with the new ball and put early pressure on Pakistan. If he can dismiss key batters in the first few overs, New Zealand will gain a strong upper hand.

11. William O’Rourke (Fast Bowler)

• Role: Young pace bowler, middle-overs enforcer
• Strength: O’Rourke is a rising talent with raw pace and good control. He can bowl in the middle overs and maintain tight lines. His ability to surprise batters with short-pitched deliveries adds variety to the attack.
• Expectations: He needs to support the senior pacers and build pressure during the middle overs. Picking up wickets at crucial moments will be his key role.

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