CWC 2019: NZ vs PAK Preview: Consistent Kiwis face challenge from rejuvenated Men in Green

Pakistan basking in the glory of a comprehensive victory against South Africa will take on a New Zealand outfit who have hardly put a foot wrong so far in the tournament. While Pakistan had it easy for most parts against the Proteas, New Zealand were moments away from tasting their first defeat at the 2019 World Cup after a Carlos Brathwaite solo show. With wins in the bag in their previous matches, both the sides will be quietly confident heading into the contest at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Despite having one foot in the semis, the Kiwis will not get complacent and aim to continue their momentum. For Pakistan, the stakes could not be any higher as a loss could prove to be a fatal blow.

Match Info

New Zealand vs Pakistan, 33rd Match

Edgbaston, Birmingham (3:00 pm IST)

Head-to-Head

Played – 106

New Zealand wins – 48

Pakistan wins – 54

Tied – 1

N/R – 3

Team News

New Zealand

On a high after winning all their completed matches, New Zealand will not like to tinker much, if at all with a winning combination. Despite the wins, the form of the batsmen apart from Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor remains a bit of a concern. The Kiwis would ideally want the likes of Martin Guptill, Colin Munro and Tom Latham to get a decent hit out in the middle and get some runs under their belt. The bowling department has been performing consistently well so Tim Southee may again be left out.

Pakistan

Pakistan have recovered quite well after their defeat against India, delivering an excellent performance against South Africa. The inclusion of Haris Sohail proved to be a masterstroke and added some much-needed impetus to their middle-order. The bowling department also carried out its job with great discipline, maintaining a fine balance between attack and defence. Their fielding still remains a major concern though after a shambolic showing against the Proteas.

Key Players

Kane Williamson (New Zealand): For the Kiwis, it is difficult to look past their talismanic skipper. Williamson has found a brilliant run of form, looking elegance personified after scoring back-to-back centuries. You wouldn’t put it past Williamson to make it a hat-trick, the manner in which he has been timing the ball. Getting the wicket of Williamson early will be key to Pakistan’s hopes.

Wahab Riaz (Pakistan): Riaz looked at his dangerous best, getting the ball to reverse at a high pace against South Africa. When in rhythm, he is a tough customer for any batsman to deal with. The late swing which he generates and his ability to bowl the yorkers at will are a constant menace. Pakistan will hope that the consistent version of Riaz shows up, which would add a great deal of potency to their attack.

Probable XI

New Zealand: M Guptill, C Munro, K Williamson (c), R Taylor, T Latham (wk), J Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, M Santner, M Henry, L Ferguson, T Boult.

Pakistan: F Zaman, Iman ul-Haq, B Azam, M Hafeez, H Sohail, S Ahmed (c & wk), I Wasim, S Khan, W Riaz, M Amir, S Afridi.