Pakistan take on rampant NZ

A resurgent New Zealand will be eyeing a semifinal berth when they take on a deflated Pakistan in a World Twenty20 group match in Mohali Tuesday.

Smarting under a six-wicket defeat to arch rivals India, Shahid Afridi's men need a victory against the table-topping Kiwis to keep their hopes alive of winning the trophy for a second time.

Pakistan won their opener against Bangladesh comfortably but things have since gone downhill as they unravelled against the Indians on Saturday, sparking an angry backlash from fans back home.

The Black Caps in contrast have been riding high with their horses for courses policy paying rich dividends against India and Australia.

New Zealand are perched on top of Group 2 with four points followed by India and Pakistan on two each from as many games.

Skipper Kane Williamson has won plaudits after he packed his side with unheralded spinners and leaving out tested fast bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the key opening game against favourites India.

"I think we were fortunate to play on two wickets which were very similar. We adopted similar tactics," Williamson said after the win over his trans-Tasman rivals. "You have to try and read the conditions and select accordingly."

Another win will see New Zealand cruise through to the knockout stage of the tournament which would be a commendable feat for a young side.

Afridi, 36, will be under pressure to deliver after taking flak for his tactics against India.

"I think even when the tournament had not started, media were saying things. But in reality, neither do I check Twitter, Facebook nor do I check what the media is reporting. I have kept myself to one side. I know what will be their response [back home]," Afridi told reporters.

"But, I will say it again, whatever is happening there [in Pakistan], let it happen. I know what I and my team have to do here. That is the most important thing for me. Rest of the things can be taken care of later as to who is saying what. For us, main thing is performance and we will have to show it," the mercurial Pakistan captain added.

Afridi showed his pragmatic side when he said that this game can take as much as it gives. He was speaking in reference to former skipper Younis Khan, who was in a similar situation in 2009 before Pakistan went onto win that edition of ICC World T20 in England.

"I think this cricket has not made just Younis Khan, but many big cricketers cry. I have seen many crying and leaving cricket. I thank Allah that I have been playing for Pakistan for a long time, this is a big honour for me, I had not even thought so.

"Whatever be the result, I will be satisfied when I give my 100 per cent on the ground, whatever be result later, I have no issue, but I and my boys they have to give their 100 per cent. I dont think even our people (back home) should have any issue. Yes, the mistakes that we have made, we will have to stop those. But if one starts to create panic situation in the team, then it becomes difficult to sort out things".