Pakistan vs New Zealand 2018, 2nd ODI – Dream11 Fantasy Tips

Pakistan’s struggles in the ODI format continued as they suffered a 47-run defeat in the first game against New Zealand. Since winning the Champions Trophy last year, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe 5-0 but lost to New Zealand by the same margin. They suffered thrashing from India twice in two games in the Asia Cup where they failed to qualify for the final. In this situation, the hosts need a win that could keep the ODI series alive.

Pakistan now has lost 12 ODI matches in a row against New Zealand with their last win over the Kiwis coming in 2014. While at Abu Dhabi, Men in Green lost six of their seven ODIs against New Zealand winning their first ever meeting at this venue in 2009. Pakistan needs to ensure they don’t give away too many runs towards the end as they did in the first ODI. The Sarfraz Ahmed-led team also need consistent scores from the top-order.

Match Details:

The second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand will be hosted by the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match starts at 3:00 PM local time (11:00 AM GMT) (4:30 PM IST).

Last five ODI matches:

Pakistan: L, L, L, W, L.

New Zealand: W, L, W, L, L.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch at Abu Dhabi was similar to what it was during the Asia Cup. Despite playing on consecutive days during that tournament, this venue produced scores around 250 on a consistency basis. This could give a high of how the pitch could perform in the forthcoming game. The teams winning the toss prefer to bat first at this venue to avoid chasing big totals with big boundaries to be cleared.

Squads:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (w/c), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usman Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Afridi.

New Zealand: Colin Munro, George Worker, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham (w), Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling, Tim Southee, Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ajaz Patel.

Probable XI:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (w/c), Hasan Ali/Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Afridi.

New Zealand: Colin Munro, George Worker, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (w), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi.

Power Picks:

Imam-ul-Haq’s did well to stay long in the first ODI while running out of partners. He will be hoping to convert his start in the second game. The left-handed pacers Shaheen Afridi, Junaid Khan and Trent Boult will be crucial once again.

Best Playing XI:

Sarfraz Ahmed, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Shaheen Shah.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Ross Taylor’s recent ODI form makes him a reliable option for the multipliers alongside Babar Azam, Kane Williamson and also Tom Latham. Babar bagged a golden duck in the first game but has a terrific record while playing in the UAE. Mohammad Hafeez will be hoping to make a comeback with both bat and ball in the second game after a low-profile performance in the first match. He can also be an obvious choice for captain/vice-captain.

Expert Advice:

Hasan Ali is at the edge of getting dropped from the playing XI due to his recent failures. However, his ODI record could be the only thing that could save him if Pakistan team prefer Faheem Ashraf who can also strengthen the batting.

Probable Winners:

Pakistan is expected to bring an end to their losing streak in ODIs against New Zealand and stay alive in the series.

*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.

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