Pakistan to take on New Zealand in first T20 match

Pakistan take on New Zealand in the first game of the three-match T20 series at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today (Wednesday).

Pakistan maintained their top spot in the ICC T20 ranking with a 3-0 whitewash of Australia in Dubai on Sunday, cementing their place as the leading lights of the game’s shortest format.

Speaking to the media, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed admitted New Zealand, two points behind Australia in the world rankings having played three fewer matches, will be a tougher opponent.

“They [New Zealand] have a strong team with ideal batsmen for T20 and a balanced bowling attack so we need to set the tone from the first game by winning it,” said Sarfraz.

He added, “We want to carry forward the winning momentum of the Australia series.”

Pakistan has won 10 of their 18 previous T20 internationals against New Zealand.