PAK vs NZ: New Zealand's (NZ) Predicted Playing XI Against Pakistan (PAK)- ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 19

New Zealand are set to play their first game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on Tuesday against a high-flying Pakistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Blackcaps are coming into the game on the back of two consecutive losses in the warm-up fixtures. They went down to England by 13 runs in their last-warm fixture before losing against Australia by 3 wickets.

Ahead of the first game against Pakistan, here’s a look at the predicted playing eleven of New Zealand.

PAK vs NZ: New Zealand’s (NZ) Predicted Playing XI Against Pakistan (PAK)- ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 19

Openers: Devon Conway and Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill played an outstanding knock in the last warm-up fixture against England the other day. In 20 balls, he scored 41 runs, including 4 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 205. Against Australia in the first warm-up match, he scored 30 off 20 deliveries. He is looking in a great touch and it will be interesting to see how he starts his campaign against a strong Pakistan bowling unit.

Devon Conway should give him company at the top of the order. His records in T20 cricket speak for itself. Conway is an integral cog in New Zealand’s batting unit. He need to exhibit consistent performances if the Blackcaps are to go to deeper into the tournament.

Middle-Order: Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Tim Siefert

Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, and Tim Siefert will form the middle order. Kane Williamson is the pillar of this batting unit. He will play the role of the anchor in this batting unit, while Glenn Phillips should look to capitalize on the starts in the middle overs.

Phillips boasts of an outstanding record in T20 cricket. He has vast experience of playing different franchise leagues across the tournament and that should keep him in good stead. Tim Siefert is likely to don the wicket-keeping gloves.

All-rounders: Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner

The presence of Jimmy Neesham will provide depth to this batting line-up. He played a vital 18-ball 31 in the warm-up fixture against Australia.

Mitchell Santner could be a great bet on the slow surfaces of UAE. He can ran through the opposition if gets the desired turn.

Bowlers: Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult

New Zealand have got one of the best pace bowling attack, comprising the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson. There’s a lot of variety in the attack and they should feel confident of that. Southee can be brutal if he finds swing early. Ferguson will attack with his pace and bounce, while Boult will make use of pace, bounce, and swing. Leg-spinner, Ish Sodhi should complete the playing eleven.