ICC World Cup 2019: Match 33, New Zealand vs Pakistan: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

As expected Pakistan bounced back strongly after losing to India as they beat South Africa at Lord’s. They will be hoping to not lose the winning momentum now and have interestingly found themselves in the middle of a similar run as the Imran Khan-led side did in 1992. If the mother of co-incidences has to continue, then the Men in Green will have to win this match at any cost. However, it won’t be easy for them to get past this New Zealand side that is just about doing enough to win close matches in this World Cup.

They are unbeaten in the competition thus far and have almost sealed a place in the knockouts. No wonder Kane Williamson will be looking to continue their winning run and hoping for his boys to be consistent in their trade. Colin Munro though has been a pale shadow of himself after a good start and might have to make way for Henry Nicholls who is a more solid batsman at the top of the order.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have found a massive boost with Haris Sohail in the middle-order, the spark which was lacking in the earlier matches. A win in the previous games means there won’t be any changes definitely in the team for them and it is high time that they get consistent and not unpredictable.

Match Details

The 33rd match of the ICC World Cup 2019 will be played between New Zealand and Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The match starts at 10:30 AM local time (09:30 AM GMT) (3:00 PM IST).

The game will be live on Star Sports. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Weather Report

There is no rain in the forecast in Birmingham for this match. Though it will be cloudy and going by the unpredictable English weather, it might rain during the game. The temperature will hover around 15-18 degrees Celsius according to AccuWeather.

Pitch Report

The surface for the New Zealand-South Africa was extremely tricky. It was slow and the pitch had something for pacers and spinners both. Most probably it won’t be a high-scoring encounter and the total around 260-270 should be par. However, with cloudy conditions likely to welcome the two teams, the team winning the toss will opt to field first.

Average first innings score: 267 (Last five One-Day matches at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3; Lost – 1; Tie – 1

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand

Colin Munro/Henry Nicholls, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

Bench – Tom Blundell, Colin Munro/Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Afridi.

Bench – Shoaib Malik, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Asif Ali.

Team News

(Will be added when there’s an update)

Power Picks

Ross Taylor vs Pakistan in ODIs:

Innings: 24

Runs: 1068

Average: 66.75

100s: 3

50s: 7

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Kane Williamson, Fakhar Zaman, Ross Taylor

Vice-Captain Options: Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Colin de Grandhomme

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Sarfaraz Ahmed

Batsmen – Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson (C), Babar Azam (VC), Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq

All-Rounders – Colin de Grandhomme

Bowlers – Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Grand/Mega Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Tom Latham

Batsmen – Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Fakhar Zaman (C)

All-Rounders – Colin de Grandhomme, James Neesham

Bowlers – Trent Boult, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir (VC)

Expert Advice:

The Kiwi middle-order apart from Williamson and Taylor is not that great and the wrist spinner in Shadab Khan can trouble them.

Neither Sarfaraz nor Latham are doing much for their team. Can pick any one of them.

Probable Winners:

It is tough to predict the winner of this match but New Zealand, being the unbeaten side, go in as the favourites. Expect Pakistan to make it tough for them as well.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.