ODI World Cup 2023, Match 35: New Zealand vs Pakistan Match Preview

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is moving to its final stages as just 11 league games are remaining in the tournament. To continue with the enthralling action so far in the cricketing extravaganza, New Zealand and Pakistan will take on each other in Match 35 on Saturday, November 04 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

New Zealand’s campaign has gone off track as they’re coming into the fixture with back-to-back three losses against India, Australia and South Africa. Their last defeat was the worst of all as they were hammered by a massive 190-run margin against the Proteas. The Tom Latham-led side finds itself on the fourth spot on the points table with four wins from seven matches having eight points to their name.

With two games remaining in the league stage, New Zealand find themselves in a must-win situation as they can seal their spot in the semi-final by winning both of their fixtures. Or else if they manage to lose one out of it, they will have to depend on the other team’s results for their semi-final qualification.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Most Runs

On the other hand, Pakistan are coming into the fixture having finally ended their four-match losing streak by defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets. The Babar Azam-led side are also in a precarious situation with regards to their semi-final qualification as they’re ranked on the fifth spot on the points table with three wins from seven matches having six points to their name. 

Both teams will be desperate to win the upcoming fixture to make their semi-final qualification smoother. Hence, the contest promises to be a mouth-watering affair as it will be one of the most important games of the tournament.

NZ vs PAK Pitch Report

The M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru has been a high-scoring ground traditionally. Out of the last five matches played at the venue, three have been won by teams batting first. The average first innings total has been in the last five games has been 305 while the highest target chased in the history of the venue has been 328. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first to make the most of the good batting conditions on offer.

NZ vs PAK Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 35

Pakistan (PAK)

Pakistan brought in Fakhar Zaman at the top of the order in the previous fixture and the move worked wonders as the southpaw scored a brilliant 81 (74) against Bangladesh. The rest of their team picks itself and is likely to remain the same in the upcoming fixture.

Predicted XI: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

New Zealand (NZ)

On the other hand, New Zealand has had a long list of injuries in the tournament so far as their regular captain Kane Williamson has warmed the benches for most of the matches. Furthermore, Matt Henry injured his hamstring in the last game against South Africa and Kyle Jamieson has flown in as his replacement.

To make matters worse for the Kiwis, even Jimmy Neesham suffered a blow on his wrist in the last game but his X-RAY cleared him of any broken bones. Hence, finalizing a playing XI could be a tough job for the Kiwis in the upcoming fixture with numerous injuries in their squad. 

Predicted XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head in ODIs:

NZ vs PAK Broadcast Details:

Also Check: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table