Bengaluru, Nov 3: An early elimination final for Pakistan as a defeat to New Zealand would all but end their semi-final hopes, while the Black Caps need to snap a three-match losing streak to get their campaign back on track at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
New Zealand would have entered this match as a clear favourite just one week ago, but some injury concerns in the Kiwi camp and a form turnaround from Pakistan means it’s difficult to determine who will emerge as the winner.With question marks surrounding the fitness of key quicks Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, New Zealand have called on the services of proven pacer Kyle Jamieson and the tall right-armer may be considered for this match should the Black Caps attempt to include him as a replacement player.
Skipper Kane Williamson will be monitored as he continues to recover from his thumb concern, while Pakistan look more settled now with the return of opener Fakhar Zaman to their line-up.
Fakhar torched Bangladesh with a stylish half-century last start and can often be relied upon to get Pakistan off to a fast start alongside the reliable Abdullah Shafique.It will be interesting to see whether Pakistan include another specialist bowler against New Zealand, or continue to call on Iftikhar Ahmed to perform with the ball as he has done reasonably well over the last few games.
Pakistan will be hoping their quicks – led by freshly crowned No.1 ranked ODI bowler Shaheen Afridi – can put a massive dent in New Zealand’s top order and this battle will go a long way in determining who comes out on top in Bengaluru.
Glenn Phillips has shown glimpses of his best this tournament, but hasn’t quite put it all together in one individual match…yet. Phillips picked up impressive figures of 3/37 in an inspired spell against Australia and then delivered his second half-century of the tournament when amassing 60 in a losing cause last start against South Africa. (Agencies)
