The most important match for Pakistan and New Zealand will be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. The semi-final spot is at the stack for both teams. Both teams will show their best in this match to brighten their chances for the knockout stage. Both teams have played 7 matches. New Zealand is at No.4 on the points tally with 4 wins while Pakistan is at No.6 with 3 wins and 6 points. Losing the match will be curtains for Pakistan but New Zealand will still have a chance if they lose the match.
New Zealand is better placed due to more number of wins but their NRR is also better than Pakistan’s. New Zealand’s NRR after 7 matches is +0.484 while Pakistan’s NRR is -0.024. So, Pakistan has to beat New Zealand with an 83-run margin if they bat first or chase down the target in about 35 overs to go ahead of New Zealand.
Even the above equation will not guarantee the semi-final spot because New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in their last league match while Pakistan has to face the defending champions England in the decider. If New Zealand beat Sri Lanka and England beat Pakistan New Zealand will qualify with 10 points. Afghanistan is another threat for these teams to stop them from qualifying.
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Pakistan Playing 11 vs New Zealand
Babar Azam (c), , Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Afridi & Agha Salman
Even though it is not good to change the winning combination Usama Mir might not be the best fit for the match against New Zealand. Pakistan should go with four pacers, Shaheen, Haris, Wasim, and Hasan Ali, or somehow bring Abrar into the playing XI.
New Zealand Playing 11 vs Pakistan
Tom Latham (c &wk) Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin, Mark Chapman, Ravindra, Tim Southee, Mitchel Santner, Trent Bolt, Ish Sodhi
New Zealand is badly suffering from injury in the latter half of the tournament. Neesham, Henry, and Foregusen all are injured. It is a sign of worry for the Black Caps. Kyle Jamieson might replace Matt Hanery. We can see Kane Williamson also in action against Pakistan in their all-important match. Will Young might miss out because the management would love to go with experience and for that reason Kane Williamson will be a good option.
