Kane Williamson set to return as Kiwis hope to seal series

Overview

New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I

Seddon Park, Hamilton

Sunday, 20 December, 07.00pm local time, 06.00am GMT

A hard-fought win, a sensational debut, some stunning catches; the first T20I of the series was entertainment galore. But there's little to bask in glory as the second T20I arrives with several squad changes for the hosts.

Notably, Williamson returns after his paternity leave and will skipper the hosts. His return also poses a problem for the Kiwis who have had a settled top four right from the series against West Indies.

Who sits out for Williamson to play in his usual role? Martin Guptill, who has four single-digit scores in his last five outings in the format, will be under pressure to retain his spot. With Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert and Devon Conway making crucial knocks in the last few games, Guptill could make way for Williamson.

Blair Tickner and Mark Chapman, who were both in the XI for the first game, aren't in the squad for the next couple of games. Boult could take Tickner's spot while Williamson could also come in for Chapman, with the others in the middle-order going down one position to slot the captain in at No.3. Southee might also step in for one of the other pacers.

Pakistan, on the other hand, might also be looking to strengthen their top-order. With no Babar Azam, they might opt to bring in the experience of Sarfaraz Ahmed and the all-round quality of Ifthikar Ahmed. Two out of Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali and Khushdil Shah could miss out as a result.

Remember the last time

Slumping to 20/4, Pakistan appeared to be out of the game with Jacob Duffy producing a stunning showing on debut. The middle-order revival gave them a handy total, but Pakistan will know they will need to do better to test the Kiwis at home. In the previous series between these sides in UAE, Pakistan made middling totals, but the bowlers did an exemplary job to help them sweep the series 3-0.

What they said

Shadab Khan (Pakistan stand-in skipper):"We went down to 20 for 4 and then we did exceptionally well to get to where we did. But if you get into that position it is difficult to come back. We were a bit rusty, and the conditions here are different to Pakistan. They are young players who will learn quick."

Jacob Duffy (New Zealand pacer): "I've got a particular brand of cricket I like to play, things that have worked for me. I wanted to stick to my guns, and hopefully my best is good enough to get the job done."