Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
 |
| Image credit: Pakistan Cricket |
There are some things in life that are just difficult to explain. Why are more people right handed than left? Why do we dream? Why is there such a disparity between Pakistan in T20Is and ODIs?
Pakistan seem unstoppable in T20Is, especially in the UAE. They have won 11 successive T20I series, which includes 28 wins out of 32 since World T20 2016. However, ODIs are a different story, and they will come up against New Zealand who have beaten them 11 times in a row in this format.
Can New Zealand make it 12 and pick up their first win of the tour against Pakistan?
Pakistan’s conundrum is indeed a head scratcher. For all their fantastic T20I exploits, they have struggled in ODIs, losing 17 out of 21 ODIs against Australia, England, India, South Africa and New Zealand in the last two years. Three of these wins came during their amazing Champions Trophy win, but it is now time for Pakistan to consistently step up against the higher ranked sides with a World Cup around the corner.
New Zealand, coming off a disappointing, but not entirely deserving, 3-0 loss in the T20Is, gear up against a side they love. Their run of 11 straight wins against Pakistan includes a 5-0 whitewash in New Zealand at the start of the year, and with the Kiwis possessing good balance in their side, they can back themselves to get their first win on tour. Will they avoid any significant batting collapses, and maintain the pressure on a Pakistan side coming off a disappointing Asia Cup campaign?
Click here to get discounts on cricket equipment & gear courtesy of onlinecricstore.com!
Key to a Pakistan win
Key to a New Zealand win
The Black Caps had their moments in the T20Is, but couldn’t capitalise, rounded off with an extraordinary collapse in the final match.
In Colin Munro, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, New Zealand possess a top four that strikes excellent balance between power and panache. It is safe to say that New Zealand’s top order effort could decide the game, as they can push Pakistan onto the defensive early and set up a strong total. With Colin de Grandhomme’s love affair with Pakistan, New Zealand have power in the middle order, despite Corey Anderson’s omission from the squad due to a heel injury.
Also, with the ball, can New Zealand exploit Pakistan’s shaky batting in ODIs? Against a side that is confused at times over what batting approach they should take, New Zealand have the opportunity to force get-out-of-jail shots from the Pakistanis looking to release the pressure. India were very good in doing this in the Asia Cup, and with the likes of Trent Boult, Trent Southee and Ish Sodhi, New Zealand have the ingredients to further exploit Pakistan’s inability at times to effectively rotate strike.
Possible XIs
Dream11
- Newly appointed committee chairman Mohsin Khan has suggested Sarfraz Ahmed should be relieved of the captaincy in one format. This could stir Ahmed on, who is need of runs in the format.
- Two of New Zealand’s top four make my side, with Kane Williamson my captain.
- Imam-ul-Haq offers good value.
- Colin de Grandhomme has a superb record against Pakistan, and Mohammad Hafeez has been in fine touch.
- The two wristspinners have wicket taking potential, and I believe Junaid Khan will get a chance and threaten right throughout the innings.
Stats and Facts
- New Zealand have won 11 straight ODIs against Pakistan, including both series at Pakistan’s adopted home in the UAE.
- Pakistan have won seven of 15 ODIs in 2018. Five came against a depleted Zimbabwe, one against Afghanistan and another against Hong Kong.
- New Zealand beat Pakistan 5-0 in New Zealand in January.
- There have been just two scores of over 300 in 42 ODIs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Prediction
Click here to get discounts on cricket equipment & gear courtesy of onlinecricstore.com!
