PAK vs NZ Match Preview
Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Shan Masood seem locked in as the top-4. We worry about Masood at number four because he is not really an attacking batter and if he and Babar bat together for a long time, Pakistan could end up being too conservative for their own good.
Imam and Bar are must-haves in your Dream11 lineup just because of their sheer consistency in the ODI format.
The middle/lower order of Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Usama Mir is a bit wobbly as well. Rizwan is under pressure while the other two are extremely inexperienced. The bowling lineup will be very strong as Haris Rauf returns to the side alongside Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
New Zealand's ODI team is quite dynamic and we think it has all the tools to be successful in Pakistan. The batting lineup is very strong led by Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson at the top, and a strong middle order of Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell to follow.
We rate Glenn Phillips very highly and his batting is going to be key for New Zealand in this series.
In fact, Phillips is a genuine all-rounder with his ability to bowl a few overs and contribute in the field spectacularly.
There is a lot of excitement around Henry Shipley, another tall-strapping fast-bowler from New Zealand that can also swing the ball. He will feature alongside Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson in an impressive bowling lineup.
Weather Report
There is no rain forecast for match day. We should not have any interruptions.
Pitch Report
A new pitch (not used in the Test Series) is to be used for this match and so that should be hopefully lively and full of runs. There are a lot of runs for batters to be had at the National Stadium. Batters like Imam ul Haq and Babar Azam have grown up on these surfaces and love batting here.
The outfield is fast and offers full value for runs. We think 300 is around par for the venue.
Notable stats
Babar Azam: King of Karachi
Babar Azam averages 73 at Karachi and has one century in the two ODI's he has played here. He also has an average of over 54 in the T20 internationals he has played at the National Stadium. He loves batting here and gets runs more often than not.
Team News
Haris Rauf returns to the Pakistan ODI squad after recovering from his injury and should be fit to play.
PAK vs NZ Probable 11
PAK Playing 11
- Imam ul Haq
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam (C)
- Shan Masood
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Usama Mir
- Mohammad Wasim
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
NZ Playing 11
- Finn Allen
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson (C)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (Wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Ish Sodhi
- Tim Southee
- Lockie Ferguson
- Henry Shipley
Dream11 Prediction
Pakistan is the slight favorite going into this match but we really don't see why we should be paying a higher price for them right now. New Zealand has won 12 out of the previous 14 ODI's against Pakistan. That is not a record that just happens by coincidence. Better fitness standards, an excellent bowling attack, and a more dynamic batting approach have all contributed to New Zealand's dominance over Pakistan.
Top Picks
Babar Azam and Imam ul Haq - We have grouped these two together because the logic of picking them is the same. Both of them score runs by the boat-load in ODI cricket and love batting in Karachi. There is a good chance that one or both of them will make a significant contribution.
Glenn Phillips - One of the most dynamic players for New Zealand, we think Glenn Phillips can contribute in all aspects of the game. He likes playing against Pakistan as well.
PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: T Latham, F Allen
Batters: K Williamson, B Azam (C), D Conway, I Haq (VC), G Phillips
All-rounders: M Nawaz
Bowlers: L Ferguson, H Shipley, M Wasim
