ICC World Cup 2019 Match 33, New Zealand v Pakistan: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Twenty-seven years ago, in the only other occasion in which the World Cup was played, New Zealand stayed unbeaten till they ran into Pakistan, who needed to win. Things will not be much different when the teams clash at Edgbaston for Match 33 of the 2019 World Cup, on June 26.

New Zealand have looked as rounded as any other side in the tournament. Ross Taylor has been decent, Kane Williamson magnificent, and when the top order has not come off, their three all-rounders – Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, and Mitchell Santner – have stood up to the challenge. With support from their all-rounders, their fast bowlers have been potent enough to keep Tim Southee on the sidelines.

They have taken down Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, while their match against the fourth – India – was washed out. One wonder what lies in store against Pakistan.

What about Pakistan, then? Mohammad Amir has easily been their best bowler (if not the best in the tournament), while Wahab Riaz has taken several expensive wickets. But the support cast has not impressed. A lot will depend on the spinners, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Mohammad Hafeez.

The performance of Pakistan’s famed top three – Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Babar Azam – against New Zealand’s seamers may decide the course of the match, for that will set the stage for their big hitters down the order. It will be an intriguing contest.

Head to head

Pakistan hold a lead in head-to-head clashes, but only just (54-48). The last series between the teams, seven months ago, was drawn 1-1 in the UAE. New Zealand had whitewashed Pakistan in the three series before that – consisting of 9 matches in all – but all that was in New Zealand.

Pakistan have a 6-2 lead in World Cups. New Zealand had won the last one, in 2011, but Pakistan had won the 6 clashes before that. On English soil Pakistan lead 3-1 including wins in their last 3 matches.

Key players

Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand): With 14 wickets at 15.50 and an economy rate of 4.76, Ferguson has been New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the World Cup. In fact, the leading wicket-takers in the tournament have all been bowlers of genuine pace. Ferguson will definitely be a threat.

Haris Sohail (Pakistan): Sohail’s inclusion in place of Shoaib Malik, albeit late, has added firepower to the Pakistan middle-order. His blitzkrieg against South Africa kept Pakistan alive in the tournament, but they will need more of these performances to make it to the top four.

Likely XIs

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi.

Prediction

New Zealand, the better side, should win… but then, who has ever been able to stop a rampant Pakistan?