World Cup 2019: Pakistan vs New Zealand match preview
June 26, 2019
BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan face New Zealand in the 33rd clash of the World Cup at Edgbaston in Birmingham today.
With just five points and two wins in six matches, Pakistan will be aiming for their third victory in order to keep their hopes alive for the semi-final spot in the World Cup.
New Zealand who have been unbeaten in the tournament sit at the top of the table with 11 points, while Pakistan after knocking out South Africa out of the World Cup sit at number seven.
In World Cups, Pakistan has won four of their six meetings with New Zealand.
Pakistan has had a roller coaster journey in the tournament so far. They lost their opening match of the tournament against West Indies. However, the green shirts bounced back and defeated tournament favorite England, took a point in the washed out game against Sri Lanka and lost back-to-back games to India and Australia.
For Pakistan, Haris Sohail on his return to the team scored a brilliant 89 off 59, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan's win against South Africa.
However, the team fielding is a major concern. The Pakistan team has dropped 14 catches and missed several straight dismissal chances in the World Cup so far.
On the other hand, the Kiwis have been unbeaten in the tournament so far.
Skipper Kane Williamson is currently the highest run-scorer for New Zealand, followed by Ross Taylor.
New Zealand has some destructive all-rounders in their line up such as Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme along with the electrifying Trent Boult in their bowling attack who can turn the game around for the Black Caps.
The match between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin at 2:30pm Pakistan Standard Time.
Weather Conditions in Birmingham
According to the weather forecast for the day, there will be a light cloud cover and mild breeze with fewer chances of rain.
PAK-NZ ODI stats
Head to head matches: 106
PAK won: 54
NZ won: 48
Tied: 1
No result: 3
Highest total: 369/5 by New Zealand in 2015
Lowest total: 64/10 by New Zealand in 1986
Most runs: 1283 runs in 42 innings by Inzamam-ul-Haq (PAK)
Most wickets: 79 wickets in 37 innings by Waqar Younis (PAK)
Squads:
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Shahdab Khan, Mohammed Hafeez, Mohammed Hasnain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammed Aamir, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Asif Ali
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Tom Blundell
