In the 1992 World Cup at this stage of the tournament, Pakistan has won the match against New Zealand. Not once but twice, in the group stage and then in the semi-finals. Those two games were the only games which the Kiwis lost in World Cup 1992. Can Pakistan beat the Kiwis again? Well, the records say so, Pakistan won 6 games against New Zealand in World Cup clashes and lost only two.
Pakistan has comprehensively won the match against South Africa at Lord’s. The batting clicked well due to the inclusion of Haris Sohail and their bowling is known as their greatest strength. However, they have been pathetic when it comes to fielding. They have so far dropped 14 catches in the tournament, the most by any team. If they do not raise the standard of their fielding, it would be too difficult for them to reach the semis.
New Zealand, the unbeaten team of World Cup, needs just one win to qualify for the semis. They would hope to win it here as their next two games are against one of the strongest teams of the World Cup, Australia, and England). They have won close matches against teams like Bangladesh, South Africa, and West Indies when they should have won it comfortably. They should not let the opposition to make a comeback, else it could be curtains down for them as well in the tournament.
The weather for the match at Edgbaston is predicted to be warm and sunny for the day.
Players to watch out
Haris Sohail was in top form against South Africa and because of him, Pakistan’s middle order has started to look more solid than ever before. He can strike the balls against any bowler in any given situation.
Kane Williamson who has scored 2 hundred in 2 games would be eager to score one more hundred in today’s game, and win the match for his team to qualify for the semis. Being the captain he has the extra responsibility of motivating players and making plans for the team in a crunch situation. His calmness has already proved that he is one the best captain in this tournament so far.
New Zealand v Pakistan in ODIs:
Overall: Matches 106, New Zealand Won 48, Pakistan Won 54, Tied 1, No Result 3
World Cup: Matches 8, New Zealand Won 2, Pakistan Won 6
Recent Form (most recent first): New Zealand W W NR W W, Pakistan W L L NR W
ICC Rankings: New Zealand (3), Pakistan (6)
Upcoming Records:
Martin Guptill has scored 942 runs in World Cup and needs 58 more to become the second New Zealand player to reach the 1,000 runs milestone.
Shoaib Malik has taken 98 catches and needs two more to reach the 100 catches milestone.
Squads:
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz.
