The Blackcaps know what they're up against in their Twenty20 World Cup opening match, squaring off against a red hot Pakistan side at Sharjah in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
While the Blackcaps' encounter will be their first in this year's T20 World Cup, Wednesday's showdown will be Pakistan's second, after a comprehensive dismantling of pre-tournament favourites India on Monday (NZ time).
Entering the match having lost all 12 encounters with India across World Cups in both one day international and T20 cricket, Babar Azam's Pakistan were ruthless in their drought-breaking victory.
Winning the toss and bowling first, Pakistan restricted their arch rivals to 151/7 in their 20 overs, before waltzing to 152/0 in reply - winning by 10 wickets in Dubai.
The loss was the first time in history that India had lost a T20 International by 10 wickets.
Like the rest of the cricketing world, the Blackcaps also had one eye on Dubai, with Pakistan and India both waiting for them later in the tournament.
And with Pakistan their first challenge, Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson couldn't hold back in his appraisal of his side's next opponents.
"They were outstanding," Williamson says.
"They're a fantastic side, and have played a lot of cricket in these conditions.
"Over the years, they've been ranked at the top of the tree for good reason, and they were very, very clinical last night.
"[They'll be] a very strong side in the tournament."
But Wednesday's match at Sharjah will be played under a cloud of discontent.
Since the Blackcaps pulled out of their tour of Pakistan at the last minute last month due to a security threat, New Zealand cricket has come under fire from their subcontinent opposites, accused of not acting in the spirit of the game.
Any social media posts from any New Zealand Cricket affiliated account, including past and current players, are quickly bombarded by swarms of angry Pakistan fans, still upset at the nature of the cancellation.
But Williamson is confident that the animosity won't be on show on Wednesday, and that the match will be played in "the right spirit."
"No doubt, they're going to be ready for their second game, they've hit the ground running against India, having had a very fantastic performance.
"But I'm sure the focus will be on the cricket, and it will be played in the right spirit.
"Both teams are really looking forward to the occasion."
Join Newshub for live updates of the Blackcaps v Pakistan T20 World Cup clash from 3am Wednesday.
