Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI, Preview: Sarfraz’s men look to resurrect their shambolic One Day form

Pakistan have had a dream run in the T20I format and their figures in the format manifest the same. In the meantime, numbers also put forth the Men in Green’s poor run of form in 50-overs cricket. Sarfraz and Co didn’t have a great time in the Asia Cup by any stretch of the imagination, having bowed out of the tournament following defeats against India and Bangladesh.

Yesterday, Pakistan slumped against New Zealand in the first ODI at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Their top order was shot out for not too much owing to which they couldn’t get a foothold back in the contest after the Black Caps put up a significant score on the board. Furthermore, Pakistan are yet to with a One-Dayer against the Kiwis in the last 12 encounters.

Even at the particular venue, the home team hasn’t been able to get the better of New Zealand six out of seven times. The Kiwis would be hoping to carry on with their domination over their rivals at this ground in the next match, which is set to take place tomorrow. Meanwhile, Pakistan would be desperate to not cease their losing streak against Kane Williamson and Co.

Team Combination

Pakistan

Hasan Ali went for quite a few runs in the last match and hence, he could be replaced by Faheem Ashraf, who apart from bowling, can also score runs valuable runs lower down the order. The top three, involving Fakhar, Babar and Hafeez, need to come to the party. A lot would depend on the spin duo of Shadab Khan and Imad, both of whom were impressive with the ball in hand.

Predicted XI

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (C & wk), Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali/Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Junaid Khan

New Zealand

Worker and Munro are the opening batsmen with the experienced Kane Williamson to follow. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham were stupendous the other day. Nicholls, Grandhomme and Southee add the much-needed depth to their batting. The fast-bowling department would be shouldered by Ferguson, Boult and South while Ish Sodhi will take care of the spin attack.

Predicted XI

George Worker, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Focus will be on

Babar Azam- Pakistan

The youngster racked up runs in the last few months and has taken Pakistan off to a number of decent starts in limited-overs cricket. However, the other night, he was removed by Boult with a peach of a delivery. Though he has an average of over 50 in ODIs, he averages a paltry 22 against the Kiwis in eight matches. His team would be looking up to the 24-year-old for a better show next time.

Trent Boult- New Zealand

The Rotorua-born speedster was lethal in the previous encounter, ripping the heart out of the Pakistani batting. He bowled at pace and also didn’t give much to the batsmen to work with. It would now be interesting to see how the hosts’ approach against the 29-year-old seamer. The Black Caps would wish for another cracker of a spell from their premier left-arm pacer.

Head to Head

Matches – 104 | Pakistan won – 53 | New Zealand won – 48 | NR/Tie – 3

Stat Attack

12– Pakistan have lost those many ODIs against New Zealand in their last 12 meetings in the format.

6– ODIs won by New Zealand against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi out of seven matches. Their only loss came in the first match at the venue.

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 16:30 IST; 15:00 local

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.