The first game of the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on Sunday (March 16). The series-opener is scheduled to be played at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Both teams have named a new-look side for the series. Salman Agha will be leading Pakistan in the series after replacing Mohammad Rizwan as the new T20I captain. Pakistan have dropped Rizwan as well as another former captain Babar Azam from their T20I squad.
The Men in Green have also named three uncapped players in the T20I side – Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Ali. In another big decision, Pakistan have not only recalled Shadab Khan to the T20I side but have also named him as the vice-captain of the team.
New Zealand will also be led by a new captain. The Black Caps have named Michael Bracewell as their captain for the series against Pakistan. With both the teams now all set for the first T20I, we are taking a look at all the major predictions for the game.
NZ vs PAK Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 1st T20I? Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025:
Match Details
Match: NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I
Date: March 16, 2025
Time: 06:45 AM IST (02:15 local time)
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Live streaming: Sony LIV and Fancode
Live broadcast: Sony Sports Network
NZ vs PAK Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan have maintained an upper hand in their T20I rivalry against New Zealand. Both the teams have played 44 T20Is against each other so far and Pakistan have won 23 of them.
On the other hand, New Zealand have won 19 T20Is against the Men in Green while one match between the two teams ended in no result.
Total T20I Matches Played: 44
New Zealand Won: 19
Pakistan won: 23
Last 5 Matches: New Zealand – 2 wins | Pakistan – 2 wins
Pitch Report & Conditions
Neutral pitch: The pitch at the Hagley Oval is likely to offer something to both batters and bowlers. The venue is not known for producing high-scoring games and the upcoming game is also unlikely to see too much fireworks. In the last T20I played at this venue, Pakistan had bowled out New Zealand for just 92 runs while defending a modest total of 135 runs.
Average 1st Innings Score: 159- The average first innings total at the venue is 159 runs.
Chasing Record:
The chasing team has a better record than teams batting first at the Hagley Oval. Out of the 11 T20Is played at this venue, teams batting first have won four games while teams batting second have emerged victorious on seven occasions.
Weather Report
The weather report for the upcoming NZ vs PAK is very promising. The weather forecast has predicted a bright and sunny day in Christchurch on the match day. The temperature is likely to hover in the mid 20s during the match.
NZ vs PAK Match Prediction – New Zealand and Pakistan Probable XIs
New Zealand Playing 11:
Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (C), Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy
Pakistan Playing 11:
Mohammad Haris (wk), Omair Yousuf, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Abbas Afridi
Form and Fitness
Neither New Zealand nor Pakistan have any major injury concerns ahead of the upcoming game.
Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| NZ | 160-170 | 150-160 |
| PAK | 140-150 | 130-140 |
NZ vs PAK Players to perform prediction
NZ – Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy are set to be the key players for New Zealand.
PAK – Mohammad Haris, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi and Abbas Afridi will be the key players for Pakistan.
NZ vs PAK Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for New Zealand in the match: Finn Allen or Daryl Mitchell
Who will score the most runs for Pakistan in the match: Mohammad Haris or Salman Agha
NZ vs PAK Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for New Zealand in the match: Jacob Duffy or William O’Rourke
Who will pick the most wickets for Pakistan in the match: Shadab Khan or Shaheen Afridi
Conclusion: Who will win the match?
New Zealand have the home advantage and they will start the game as favourites. The Black Caps are expected to beat Pakistan in the 1st T20I.
