PAKISTAN continue their T20 World Cup challenge today with a clash against New Zealand.
Babar Azam's side were emphatic 10-wicket victors over huge rivals India in their group opener, firmly putting them in the mix for qualification.
For the Black Caps, this is their first match of the tournament and they will be keen to start with a win despite two straight defeats in their warm-up games.
- UK start time: 3pm BST
- TV channel: Sky Sports Cricket
- Live stream: Sky Go/NOW TV
- Toss: Imminent
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- Jim Sheridan
NIGHTMARE START
They don't come much tougher than this.
Pakistan and India first up for the Black Caps, before a run of more manageable ties against Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan.
Victory today and the pressure is off for the match against Kohli's men, but lose and it's very much an uphill struggle.
- Jim Sheridan
'SLOW AND SLUGGISH'
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is hosting tonight's game, with the pitch proving an absolute goldmine for the bowlers in recent matches.
With little to no pace coming onto the bat, don't expect big scores here with around 150 about par.
We usually do a little weather report in these blogs, just in case there's rain clouds in the air.
But here's the advantage of Sharjah over Salisbury – it's 32c out there. Don't worry, we'll get our 40 overs.
- Jim Sheridan
SKIP IN THEIR STEP
Shaheen Afridi was the star with the ball on Sunday, taking 3-31 as India were restricted to just 151-7 off their 20 overs.
And it was then up to Mohammad Rizwan and captain Babar Azam to chase it down, doing so without losing a single wicket in the process.
The victory ended 19-years of hurt for Pakistan against India and they've now won 7 of their last ten competitive T20 internationals.
It's all set up to be a cracker today in Sharjah.
- Jim Sheridan
KANE AND ABLE
There's a bit of politics bubbling away behind this one after New Zealand abandoned a tour of Pakistan last month due to security fears.
NZ skipper Kane Williamson wasn't on the tour at the time as he was playing in the IPL, but is hoping this fixture today doesn't descend into grudge match territory.
He said: "There are 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 am sure the game will be played in the right spirit.
"No doubt after the performance [against India], Pakistan have some momentum and are feeling pretty good about their cricket."
- Jim Sheridan
PAKISTAN VS NEW ZEALAND
It just couldn't have gone any better for Babar Azam and Co.
A ten-wicket demolition of great rivals India in their Super 12s opener has thrust Pakistan from tournament outsiders to one of the favourites.
What a difference one win can make.
They were fearless with both bat and ball on Sunday, wrapping up victory over Virat Kohli's side with 13 deliveries left to spare.
But all of that will count for nothing if they don't back it up with another win today.
In Pakistan's way are Kane Williamson's New Zealand, who are playing their first match of the competition.
It's not been a happy warm-up campaign for the Black Caps, losing to both England and Australia in Abu Dhabi.
This Super 12s format is ruthless and momentum is key – it's with Pakistan going into the game, but where will it be by the end?
Time to find out – the toss is imminent, the first delivery of the match at 3pm BST.
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