ICC World Cup 2019: Match 33, New Zealand vs Pakistan, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

A couple of days ago, New Zealand was faced with an almighty scare courtesy of Carlos Brathwaite’s maiden international ton. But the Kane Williamson-led unit managed to beat the Windies by five runs. After six matches, the Black Caps are still unbeaten and are at the top of the points table with a Net Run Rate of +1.306. The Kiwis are next scheduled to lock horns with Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

On the other hand, Pakistan is coming off a thumping victory versus South Africa by 49 runs at the renowned Lord’s in London. In World Cup cricket, the Men in Green have beaten New Zealand six out of eight times. However, in the last 13 ODIs, the Asian team has beaten their opponent only once. Moreover, Pakistan’s last victory over the Kiwis outside the sub-continent came way back in 2011 in Hamilton.

Weather Report

Overcast conditions are expected for tomorrow’s match in Birmingham. Clouds will be there throughout the game, but there are no chances of rain for the time being, something pleasing for the players and the fans. The atmosphere will be cool with the temperature in between 14 and 19 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be high but will come down as the game progresses.

Pitch Report

The pitch in the last game at this venue helped the bowlers to a large extent. The conditions are expected to be gloomy even next time and the pacers will have favourable conditions. Runs may not be easy to come by. Keeping in mind all the factors, teams may wish to field first after winning the toss, make early breakthroughs and push the opposition on the back foot from the outset.

Team Combinations

New Zealand

The Kiwis may want to give Henry Nicholls an opportunity as Colin Munro has just not been able to deliver after his unbeaten 58 against Sri Lanka. Martin Guptill has shown sparks of brilliance but is yet to produce something substantial. It’s pretty evident that Captain Kane and the ever so reliable Ross Taylor need to continue producing the runs. Tom Latham needs to arrest his slump at the earliest.

Colin de Grandhomme scoring 60 versus the Proteas will keep him in good stead. James Neesham can smack the leather hard and his role is also vital, being their premier all-rounder. In the bowling lineup, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson have been amongst the wickets as well. Matt Henry would want to park aside the horror of the previous match and take the park with a refreshed mindset.

Probable XI

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

Pakistan

Pakistan would want to field their winning combination from the last game. As far as their openers- Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq- are concerned, it’s high time they convert the starts into something substantial. Babar Azam, their leading run-scorer in the tournament, needs to be at his best. Mohammad Hafeez isn’t in the worst of form either with the bat in hand.

Haris Sohail replacing Shoaib Malik turned out to be a masterstroke as the southpaw scored 89. In the bowling department, Mohammad Amir undoubtedly holds the key with 15 wickets thus far. Wahab Riaz has cranked up the pace and ruffled feathers. Imad Wasim is yet to pick up a wicket in the tournament but has an economy of 4.85. Shadab Khan also came back to form with the three-fer.

Probable XI

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

Probable Top Performer

Martin Guptill – New Zealand  | Babar Azam – Pakistan

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 AM local

The prediction is for New Zealand to win the match.