Who: New Zealand vs Pakistan
When: Saturday, November 4, 10:30am (05:00 GMT)
The place: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
The comeback kings face the early contenders on the slide when Pakistan tackle New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday within the Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan, famend as harmful animals when caged, stormed to a seven-wicket win in opposition to Bangladesh in Kolkata on Tuesday to finish a four-match dropping streak.
The Kiwis, defeated finalists in 2019, received their first 4 video games however have now misplaced three on the bounce, together with a humbling defeat by South Africa on Wednesday.
The run has seen them slip to fourth spot, two locations and two factors above Pakistan, within the remaining qualifying sport for the semifinals.
“We received’t make it larger than what it’s,” New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell stated, as an alternative selecting to stay up for the match in opposition to Pakistan.
“It’s one other two factors for this match, which is necessary for us within the huge scheme of issues, however we’ll preserve taking part in like Black Caps do, and I’m certain we’ll come a protracted option to profitable the sport.”
Pakistan are sixth within the desk, two factors behind Afghanistan in fifth. A win for Pakistan would take them degree with the Kiwis with one recreation to play.
Sri Lanka await New Zealand in Bengaluru subsequent Thursday whereas Pakistan face England in Kolkata subsequent Saturday.
A defeat would put the Kiwis out of attain for Pakistan though third-placed Australia may nonetheless be caught as in addition they sit on eight factors. They’d, nonetheless, have a recreation in hand on the 2 groups instantly beneath them.
“I’ll be brutally sincere – I don’t assume we’ve performed to our full potential on this match but,” Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur stated. “I believed the Bangladesh recreation was the primary recreation the place we really put a whole recreation collectively.”
“We batted superbly, bowled superbly and fielded superbly, which in all the opposite video games we’ve completed one or two disciplines OK. However our different disciplines allow us to down.
“I’d wish to say we’re peaking, … however we discovered our greatest recreation in opposition to Bangladesh, and I simply hope that’s not too late for us.”
New Zealand workforce information
Either side have harm issues going into the sport, however a large blow to the Black Caps was the information on Friday that Matt Henry is out of the World Cup.
The seamer picked up a hamstring harm within the defeat to the Proteas in Pune and will likely be changed within the squad by Kyle Jamieson.
“Matt’s been a vital a part of our one-day aspect for a very long time, and to see him dominated out as we attain the enterprise finish of this match is immensely disappointing,” coach Gary Stead stated.
“We’re lucky to have a participant of the category of Kyle ready within the wings.
“Kyle’s needed to work actually laborious to return from two separate again accidents, and I do know he’s actually enthusiastic about being concerned in his first ODI World Cup.”
Pakistan workforce information
Pakistan are nonetheless sweating on the health of Shadab Khan after a concussion sustained within the defeat to South Africa final week.
The all-rounder’s head struck the ground when falling. He handed a preliminary take a look at, however his participation stays unclear given he has missed coaching.”The newest replace is Shadab went by means of a preliminary take a look at right this moment, which you’ve received to do as per medical protocol,” Arthur stated on Friday.
“He got here by means of that OK, however we’re in no place but to decide on him.
“Concussion is a very necessary harm, and we’ve received to be 100% certain earlier than we decide.”
Head-to-head
Pakistan have the higher hand with regards to one-day worldwide clashes with New Zealand, profitable 60 of their 115 matches.
New Zealand received 51 instances whereas one match was tied and three ended as “no end result”.
