As the World Cup progresses, New Zealand aims for a crucial semi-final spot against a winless Pakistan. New Zealand currently has their fate in their hands. By securing victories in their next three matches, they would accumulate nine points. However, they face strong competition from India and England, making the task challenging.
Pakistan, on the other hand, finds itself in a precarious situation. They sit at the bottom of the standings with just one point and the lowest net run rate. Despite this, the team is not mathematically out of the running. To continue their journey, Pakistan would need to win their next three matches against formidable opponents: South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Performance Overview
Pakistan’s recent form shows a combination of struggle and potential. Their defeats have come against top-tier teams like Australia and India. In a previous match against England, rain thwarted their chances of securing a win. Despite their current position, Pakistan’s capabilities are highlighted by Fatima Sana, who has taken nine wickets in the tournament.
New Zealand has demonstrated flashes of brilliance but needs to combine their skills effectively. They delivered an impressive bowling performance against Bangladesh, but faced challenges in matches against Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Key players like Sophie Devine have shown promise, but the team needs more consistent output from their batting lineup.
Key Players
- Fatima Sana: Leading the Pakistani attack with nine wickets, she poses a threat to any batting order.
- Diana Baig: Despite a record year with 17 wickets, her economy has raised concerns.
- Lea Tahuhu: Expected to return to New Zealand’s lineup, she boasts an impressive average against Pakistan.
Team Expectations
New Zealand may see Tahuhu back in the playing XI after sitting out the match against Sri Lanka. Their probable lineup includes: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (captain), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, and Lea Tahuhu.
Pakistan is likely to stick with an unchanged lineup after their washed-out match against England. Their probable XI includes: Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper), Fatima Sana (captain), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, and Sadia Iqbal.
Match Conditions
The weather in Colombo predicts rain throughout the day. If the match proceeds, the pitch is expected to favor spin bowlers as the game progresses.
Statistical Insights
- Suzie Bates is 75 runs away from reaching 6000 runs in ODIs.
- She also needs 68 runs to surpass Charlotte Edwards as the second-highest run-scorer in WODIs.
- New Zealand has a historical advantage over Pakistan, holding a 15-1 win-loss record in ODIs, with their last loss occurring in 2017.
As Pakistan continues to pursue their dream of a semi-final berth, New Zealand recognizes the challenge posed by their opponents. Both teams will aim to bring their best performances to the fore as they battle for crucial tournament points.
