CWC 2023: New Zealand vs Pakistan match preview

The fourth and fifth-placed sides on the points table will clash in an all-important clash in Bengaluru. A victory for New Zealand will increase the divide between the top four and the bottom six, while a victory for Pakistan will tighten the semi-final race. New Zealand have been plagued by injuries and have had to replace Matt Henry with Kyle Jamieson.

Lockie Ferguson and Jimmy Neesham are also sporting injuries with no clarity on their availability for this game. Kane Williamson’s availability will also depend on a fitness test to be conducted before the game.

Pakistan, meanwhile, got back to winning ways after defeating Bangladesh in Kolkata a few days back. They will be mighty pleased with the return to form of Fakhar Zaman and would hope that they can continue with a similar brand of cricket in Bengaluru.

NZ vs PAK fantasy tips

# Fakhar Zaman made a roaring return to form in the last game with a breezy 81 off 74 balls. Earlier this year, he scored three successive hundreds against New Zealand. He should definitely be in your side.

# Shaheen Afridi has been picking regular wickets at the 2023 World Cup despite not being at his best. In the last game against Bangladesh, however, his rhythm seemed to be back as he picked two early wickets. He should make it to your side.

# Will Young has scored 240 runs from five matches against Pakistan and looked in good touch against them earlier this year. Surviving Shaheen Afridi early on will be tough, but if he gets past that challenge, he can score big. He should be in your XI.

# Tim Southee has taken 31 wickets from 20 ODIs against Pakistan at an average of 26.9. He might go for runs at times, but has the knack of picking wickets, which will give you points.

New Zealand vs Pakistan: Predicted XI

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Satner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Haris Rauf.

NZ vs PAK: Dream11 team

Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan

Batters: Babar Azam, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Fakhar Zaman

All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Shaheen Afridi, Tim Southee

Captaincy options: Rachin Ravindra, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman

Potential swaps: Iftikhar Ahmed in place of Will Young, Devon Conway in place of Mitchell Santner