Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

CWC 2019 Match 33 – Pakistan v New Zealand Preview Dream11. PAK vs NZ Preview Dream11 Prediction

England are facing deja vu. The dark clouds that is their history of falling short on the big stage (not just the weather in England) is following them again.

Can Pakistan take advantage and create their own sense of deja vu? Much has been made of the incredible similarities between this and their successful 1992 campaign, making a poor start before becoming unstoppable in knockout-like matches. Indeed, if one thing is certain in a Pakistan game, it is that billions of eyes will be glued to this crunch game. A win here puts them just one point behind fourth-placed England. Can they hold their nerve?

They will have to get past unbeaten New Zealand, though. The Black Caps, despite not being their best at times, have been able to win the close matches to sit comfortably towards the top of the CWC 2019 table. It was a matter of inches against West Indies that ended the World Cup hopes of Jason Holder’s men, so can New Zealand do the same and put a huge dagger through Pakistan’s qualification hopes? They have won 12 of their last 13 ODIs against Pakistan as well as 18 of their last 20 WC group games, so it promises to be a tough test for Pakistan.

Key to a Pakistan win

Pakistan fans live on the edge watching their team play. The top order batsmen need to avoid the edge against New Zealand’s swing bowling up front. The opening partnership of Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman set the tone against South Africa, and will be key against a quality new ball attack. This is not a struggling South Africa side, but rather a side at the top of its game, which requires a lift in intensity to keep their tournament alive. Babar Azam played one of his more significant innings in this tournament last time out, and Haris Sohail was simply irresistible on his return to the side. Can Pakistan repeat their effort?

Also, Mohammad Amir once again led the way in a beautiful exhibition of seam bowling against South Africa. However, he finally had support, with Pakistan putting in their best performance as a bowling unit on Sunday. Here, an opportunity presents itself for Pakistan with New Zealand’s openers underwhelming. Assuming that Pakistan make a good start, can they get the better of the magnificent Kane Williamson? Can Pakistan target New Zealand’s middle order as early as possible consisting of the out-of-form Tom Latham and the all-rounders? Eyes will be laid upon the likes of Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz as they look to build on their efforts vs South Africa.

Key to a New Zealand win

New Zealand are winning games but they aren’t without their issues. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro are not delivering the good starts New Zealand need under pressure, which amplifies further just how good Kane Williamson has been. Against a Pakistan attack that will be raring to go, New Zealand can’t afford another shaky start, which puts the onus on the openers to keep Pakistan’s at bay. With James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme capable of hitting the long ball, New Zealand need to set a good platform against a side with plenty at stake.

Also, while Pakistan’s batting lineup can be dangerous, it is prone to a bad day. The first 15 overs of Pakistan’s innings could dictate the match, with Trent Boult bursting into form with a brilliant performance against West Indies. With Lockie Ferguson continuing his magnificent form, New Zealand’s pace trio can have the Pakistan middle order sprawling to achieve parity in a crucial game.

Pitch and conditions

Heavy rain was a feature in Birmingham in the lead up to this match. However, the forecast is for overcast conditions with little to no precipitation. The pitch remained under covers so there could be assistance for the bowlers first up. Expect the team who wins the toss to bowl first.

Possible Playing 11

Rant: Pakistan thrash woeful South Africa to end their campaign

Pakistan could stick with the same team that beat South Africa easily. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi is in need of a good performance after a lean spell. In his first 10 ODI innings, he took 19 wickets at an average of 19.40 and economy rate of 4.6. In his last five innings, the average balloons to 46.1 with an economy rate of 7.7.

Pakistan: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Haris Sohail, 6. Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Imad Wasim, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Wahab Riaz, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

New Zealand could look at a change or two. Colin Munro continues to struggle in ODIs, so Henry Nicholls could come in to open. Also, Tim Southee is available if the Black Caps feel he would be a good option ahead of Matt Henry.

New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Henry Nicholls, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Matt Henry/Tim Southee, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 8, Pakistan 6, New Zealand 2.
• New Zealand have won 12 of the past 13 ODIs against Pakistan.
• Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor have scored 573 runs between them. New Zealand’s openers? Just 246.
• Mohammad Amir has taken two or more wickets in every game so far.
• Pakistan can move to just one point behind fourth-placed England with a win here.

Match Prediction

Unpredictable Pakistan have a huge opportunity. New Zealand have been excellent, but have pushed their luck close in a few matches.

I feel New Zealand are due a loss, and this could be it. So much is at stake for Pakistan, and they might just come out on top. Pakistan to win.

Thanks for reading!