(Cricket news) New Zealand will kick off their World Cup campaign against a fired up Pakistan. There will be extra motivation for the Pakistanis after New Zealand's last minute cancellation of the tour prior to the World Cup.
Pakistan will certainly be fired up after breaking their World Cup losing streak against India. The 10 wicket win over their arch-rivals was a perfect start to the campaign for Pakistan. New Zealand on the other hand lost both their warm-up games leading up to the World Cup. Their first loss was a close game against Australia while their second one was a 13-run defeat.
Pakistan Possible Playing XI:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (w), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
Pakistan have no reason to make any changes to their XI. Their middle order hasn't been tested yet. The only bowler who was expensive against India was Hasan Ali but he too picked up 2 wickets. Pakistan were comfortable in the entire game against India. It will be very interesting to see how the team performs when under the pump. Shaheen Afridi is undoubtedly the most important player in the side. His opening spell may well decide how the New Zealand innings goes.
Also read: Pakistan completely outplay India to end World Cup losing streak
New Zealand Possible Playing XI:
Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert(wk), Kane Williamson(c), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
New Zealand will be looking to right whatever it was that went wrong in the warm-ups. Jimmy Neesham will be crucial for the Black Caps after having a good end to the IPL. The pace trio of Ferguson, Jamieson and Boult are expected to fire. Both Jamieson and Boult didn't have a good 2nd phase in the IPL. Ferguson on the other hand led the KKR bowling to the IPL final.
Pakistan haven't lost any of their last 10 T20 games in the UAE. It will take some effort from New Zealand to win this game. New Zealand cannot afford to let Pakistan dictate the pace of the game. The Kiwis will have to keep the pressure on Babar Azam and his team.
