T20 World Cup: All eyes on Pakistan as it takes on New Zealand today

On Oct 26, 2021

All eyes will be on the Men in Green as they take on a formidable New Zealand squad in the T20 World Cup clash between the two teams today (Tuesday).

Pakistan will head into the game with their heads held high and confident after they beat India comprehensively by 10 wickets in the opening T20 World Cup clash between the two sides.

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi took the prized wickets of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the wickets coming from his first two overs into the game.

Even a half-century from Kohli was unable to rescue India, who finished at 151 runs from their 20 overs.

When Pakistan came out to bat, skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan made no mistakes, guiding the ball to the fence and taking cheeky singles throughout the match to give Pakistan a 10-wicket demolishing victory.

Pakistan now take on New Zealand, with both teams having a bit of history with each other and a new rivalry between themselves.

It all stems from New Zealand’s decision to walk out of the Pakistan tour last month citing security issues. Pakistan had critisied the move and even the prime ministers of the two countries had spoken. However, New Zealand pulled out of the tour at the last minute, earning Pakistan, its fans and the country’s cricket team’s ire.

Speaking a day before the clash, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said:

“It was a really disappointing situation. I know the team that were there were very much looking forward to the occasion and playing cricket over in Pakistan, and it was a real shame that it wasn’t able to go ahead.

“Having said that, I suppose the focus now is here at the T20 World Cup, and no doubt after last night’s performance, Pakistan have some momentum and are feeling pretty good about their cricket.

“But there are also a lot of good relations within the two teams. Over the years they’ve played a lot against each other, and a number of players have played with each other, as well. I’m sure it’ll be played in the right spirit, but no doubt Pakistan will be well supported, as they always are here in the UAE.”