New Zealand vs Pakistan Preview: Semi-finals in reach for Pakistan but will they let it slip

Pakistan's semi-final hopes are just in reach, but can't let it slip against New Zealand.

Placed seventh, with two wins and three losses, Pakistan has five points in six games. It needs to win all the remaining three fixtures to keep its semifinals hopes alive.

Riding high on confidence after a much-needed win against South Africa, a buoyant Pakistan takes on New Zealand in a World Cup fixture at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Placed seventh, with two wins and three losses, Pakistan has five points in six games. It needs to win all the remaining three fixtures to keep its semifinals hopes alive.

But the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side will have a mountain to climb against a rampaging New Zealand — which remains unbeaten in the tournament and needs just one more win to confirm its place in the semifinals.

With Kane Williamson leading from the front, New Zealand has set the bar high, right from the start, when it defeated Sri Lanka in the opener. Though the side looked jittery on a couple of occasions — against South Africa and the West Indies — Williamson ensured there was no slip-up.

Seasoned campaigner, Ross Taylor, too has been among runs. However, opening remains an area of concern as Colin Munro and Martin Guptill are yet to capitalise on good starts.

Its bowling unit, comprising Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, has been consistent. Even all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme are in great shape, and that’s certainly a positive for New Zealand.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will pin its hopes on pace ace, Mohammad Amir — who has so far claimed 15 wickets — to tighten the screws on the Kiwis. With its other bowling stars, Wahab Riaz and Shadab Khan too striking form against South Africa, Pakistan will want them to keep the momentum going.

As far as batting is concerned, Haris Sohail’s return to form is a boost for the team.

Benched after Pakistan’s tournament opener, Sohail made a strong comeback with a 59-ball 89 and laid the foundation for the team’s victory against South Africa last Sunday.

However, if Pakistan has to progress to the next stage, it’s fielding must improve. It displayed a sloppy show against South Africa and dropped six catches.

Though it rained in Birmingham on Tuesday, the weather is expected to improve by the time the two captains head for the toss at the Edgbaston. WATCH OUT FOR - David Warner & Steve Smith

Martin Guptil will be looking to put his best foot forward against Pakistan, instead of stepping back onto his steps.

Martin Guptil is New Zealand's answer to David Warner, Aaron Finch, Jos Buttler, etc etc. But so far in the 2019 World Cup he has failed to deliver, with just 173 runs from his 5 innings, with a top score of 73* coming in the opener against Sri Lanka (that seemed like 3 months ago). Guptil has the ability to take the game away from any opposition, and with a semi-final spot on the line, expect Guptil to find the form of old and take the game away from the Pakistani's. PREDICTION New Zealand, undefeated yet require one more win to secure their top four spot. Pakistan, clinging to the belief that they can still make the finals, more so now England have lost two on the trot. Both sides have world class bowlers, so it depends which batsmen negotiate the swing and pace better. New Zealand, on the back of Guptil, Williamson and Taylor, should be too strong here.

New Zealand to win 40-50 runs / 3-4 wickets STATISTICS HEAD TO HEAD ODI Matches: 108 New Zealand: 48

Pakistan: 54 Tied: 1 N/R: 3

HEAD TO HEAD IN WORLD CUPS

Matches: 8

New Zealand: 2

Pakistan: 6

WORLD CUP RECORDS

New Zealand

Matches: 85

Won: 53

Lost: 30

Best Result - Runners-Up (2015)

Pakistan

Matches: 76

Won: 42

Lost: 32

Best Result - Winners (1992)

ODI Record since World Cup 2015:

New Zealand

Matches: 82

Won: 48

Lost: 30

Pakistan

Matches: 85

Won: 37

Lost: 45