Pakistan will be out to prove that they are not the Pakistan of old when they face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday.

The extraordinary performance against India on Sunday gave the team, and their nation, unmatched joy. But therein lies the challenge as well. Pakistan, historically, have been notorious for their inconsistency and they will seek to rectify that reputation.

Babar Azam’s team hardly did anything wrong in their tournament opener, but the Black Caps will certainly test them on multiple fronts. “We have not just come here to win against India, we have come here to win the World Cup, always remember that,” Babar said after the India match, trying his best as captain to keep away distractions.

There will be no shortage of motivation for Pakistan though. Apart from the fact that another win will take them to a very comfortable position in Group 2, handing Kane Williamson’s team a defeat on Tuesday will perhaps also serve as a revenge well-taken after New Zealand’s recent pull-out from a tour of Pakistan.

Kane Williamson. File photo

New Zealand have not had the best of build-ups to the mega tournament, having lost to Australia and England in the warm-ups. The biggest concern for them is the fitness of skipper Williamson, who is battling an elbow issue.

While the Pakistan bowlers gave a fantastic account of themselves against India, the Black Caps too have a world-class bowing attack.

New Zealand’s batting, however, lacks proven performers and they will have to be at their best against a top-class Pakistan attack if Williamson misses the match.

Talking of the Pakistan attack, the spotlight will obviously be on Shaheen Shah Afridi. The left-arm pacer was breathtaking on Sunday and Pakistan will want a repeat act from him.