Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the second Twenty20 International with an unchanged side as the visitors began their tour on a disappointing note with a 46-run defeat in the five-T20I series opener against the hosts.

The match will begin at 11:10am today at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Opting to bat first in the series opener played on January 12, New Zealand piled up a formidable total of 226 runs, courtesy of outstanding performances from Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Despite a valiant 35-ball 57 from Babar Azam, Pakistan could only manage 180 runs in response.

In today's match, Pakistan have set their eyes on making amends and level the series.

Apart from lackluster fielding, the visitors were notably disappointed with the subpar performances of leg-spinner Usama Mir and pacer Aamer Jamal. Mir conceded 51 runs in his four-over spell, while Jamal disappointed by giving away 55 runs, contributing to his team's downfall.

The stylish left-handed batter, Saim Ayub, will maintain his position as the opener alongside Mohammad Rizwan. Following them in the batting order will be Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and the wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan.

Captain Shaheen Afridi will lead the pace attack, supported by Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi.

Pakistan’s playing XI:

Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (WK), Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Usama Mir

Remaining matches

2nd T20 – 14 January 2024 at Seddon Park, Hamilton

3rd T20 – 17 January 2024 at University Oval, Dunedin

4th T20 – 19 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

5th T20 – 21 January 2024 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch