Fantasy: Rizwan is a must, but you could also invest big on Shadab

New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the fourth encounter of the T20 tri-series, also involving Bangladesh, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Tuesday (October 11). Babar Azam and Co. have been dominant in this series so far, having won both their encounters. They got the better of Bangladesh by 21 runs and then toppled New Zealand by six wickets. Meanwhile, the hosts made an outstanding comeback against Bangladesh after losing to Pakistan.

Ground details

The Hagley Oval in Christchurch is hosting this entire series and the batters here have scored runs at an average of 25.4 and a strike rate of 127.4, while a wicket has fallen every 19.9 deliveries in these three games so far. The fast bowlers here have better numbers, with them operating at an average of 23.8 and a strike rate of 18.5 in this series. Meanwhile, the corresponding numbers for spinners are 27.3 and 23.1 respectively.  

Suggested team

While you could go for the above team, you can also choose your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.

Captaincy suggestions

For small leagues: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam (vc)

For grand leagues: Devon Conway (c), Shadab Khan (vc)

Stats that matter

Mohammad Rizwan got out for just 4 in the last encounter but still averages 58.5 in 15 T20Is this year. The wicketkeeper-batter has 702 runs at a strike rate of 128.1 and has eight fifties to his name. 

Pakistan captain Babar Azam looked in stunning form in the last match against New Zealand, scoring 79* off 53 deliveries and helping Pakistan chase down a target of 148. That's what they say, if Rizwan doesn't get you, Babar will!

Since the start of 2022, Glenn Phillips has scored 360 runs in 10 innings at an average of 51.43 and a strike rate of 146.3 in T20Is. 

With 21 wickets in 15 T20Is, no other Pakistan bowler has picked up more wickets than Haris Rauf in 2022.

Grand League punts

Devon Conway has only featured in 25 T20Is so far but has managed to score 814 runs in 22 innings at an average of 50.87 and a strike rate of 136.12. The left-hander got 36 in the first game against Pakistan and then slammed 70* against Bangladesh.

Shadab Khan batted at No. 4 in the last game and slammed 34 off 22 deliveries. Babar Azam has assured that the team management is looking to utilise his batting and we might see him continue to bat in the top-four. In 2022, Shadab has 509 runs in 25 T20 innings at a strike rate of 148.8. On top of that, the legspinner has also claimed 41 wickets a strike rate of 17.1.

Probable XIs

New Zealand - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner/Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Pakistan - Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Shan Masood, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani.