ICC World Cup 2023, NZ vs PAK| 5 Player Battles To Watch Out For

image-loimhkwoBabar and Latham, the two captains [X.Com]

New Zealand is set to face off against Pakistan in a virtual quarter-final match at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium. Scheduled as a day match on Saturday, November 4, this contest carries immense significance for both teams, with their fortunes hanging in the balance.

The stakes couldn't be higher in this pivotal clash. New Zealand, once flying high with four consecutive victories, has seen its campaign take a hit with three consecutive losses. On the flip side, Pakistan, after a bleak run, suddenly finds itself on the brink of elimination, resurrecting its hopes of progressing to the semi-finals.

The equation is straightforward but precarious. New Zealand, boasting a healthy net run-rate (NRR) of 0.484, needs a victory to secure a spot in the top four. However, Pakistan has a real chance to surpass them, relying on a comprehensive win in Bengaluru to improve their NRR, which currently stands at -0.024. 

The task is clear: Pakistan must win by either an 84-run margin or chase down any target with a substantial 15 overs to spare to claim the coveted fourth spot on the points table.

New Zealand's Slump and Pakistan's Revival

Not long ago, New Zealand was hailed as the team to beat in the tournament. With four consecutive wins, they operated like a well-oiled machine. However, their momentum was disrupted by a narrow loss to India, followed by a heart-wrenching 5-run defeat at the hands of Australia. In their most recent outing, New Zealand faced a humiliating defeat by South Africa, throwing their semi-final aspirations into doubt.

Conversely, Pakistan, a team many had given up on, has found renewed vigour. In their previous match, they dominated Bangladesh, securing a resounding seven-wicket victory— their first after four successive losses. This triumph was propelled by an exceptional bowling performance led by Shaheen Afridi (3-23) and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (3-31), limiting Bangladesh to a mere 204 runs.

With so much on the line, players from both sides will be locked in a fierce battle, each aiming to outshine the other in the all-important Bengaluru showdown. Here, we highlight five player battles that could ultimately decide the fate of this high-stakes contest:

Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Devon Conway

image-loil8kt2Shaheen Shah Afridi. (AP)

Conway, who shone with a century in the first game of the tournament, has struggled to maintain his form since that impressive performance. Recent matches have seen him departing early in his innings. In this encounter, a struggling Conway must confront the menacing Shaheen Shah Afridi, who elevated his game since claiming a five-wicket haul against Australia in a high-scoring thriller at Bengaluru. 

In the last match, Shaheen displayed his prowess with the new ball, making him a formidable adversary for Conway, who has faced a drought of runs lately. Notably, these two players have not previously crossed paths in ODIs, adding significance to this battle, as both are integral to their respective teams.

Trent Boult vs Abdullah Shafique

image-loilaaabTrent Boult. (AP) 

In conditions conducive to movement, Trent Boult is the one who makes the most of it. Armed with the new ball, he poses a serious threat to any batter. Despite not capturing as many wickets as he might have wished with the new ball, Boult's reputation remains formidable. This is especially true after his brilliant performance against South Africa. Abdullah Shafique, the right-handed batter, has been a consistent scorer for Pakistan in this World Cup, showcasing his ability to score briskly. How Boult strategizes against Shafique's wicket will be intriguing to see.

Babar Azam vs Glenn Phillips

image-loilcci4Babar Azam. (AP)

It's not a common sight to witness a right-arm off-spinner bowling to a right-handed batsman, especially not when the batter in question is the number one ranked ODI player globally, Babar Azam. However, this match might provide that unique scenario. Given off-spinners' recent success against Babar Azam, New Zealand might opt to unleash Glenn Phillips, the man with a golden arm. Phillips has already accounted for big names like David Warner, Joe Root, and Travis Head. Underestimating him as a bowling option in New Zealand's attack would be an unwise decision.

Tim Southee vs Fakhar Zaman

image-loilctctFakhar Zaman. (AP)

Fakhar Zaman made a remarkable comeback in the last match, decimating the Bangladeshi bowlers to all corners of the ground, which earned him the Player of the Match accolade. However, scoring against New Zealand's more experienced and potent bowling attack presents a significant challenge for the southpaw. Fakhar's technical weakness outside off-stump, combined with his limited foot movement, plays right into Tim Southee's wheelhouse. Southee is known for his strategic approach to dismiss batters, and he might well have the key to dismissing Fakhar, a feat he accomplished earlier this year in one of the ODI games. Fakhar's ODI career strike rate of 77 against Southee speaks volumes about the importance of this matchup.

Daryl Mitchell vs Haris Rauf

image-loildxffDaryl Mitchell. (AP)

Two fiery and impactful players, Daryl Mitchell and Haris Rauf, both capable of turning the match in their team's favour, are set to clash. Positioned as middle-overs enforcers, this battle pits power against speed. It's likely they will encounter each other during the crucial middle phase of the game. Both players are in form, with Mitchell consistently contributing with the bat, while Rauf excels in the wicket-taking department, albeit with a concerningly high economy rate. How Rauf handles Mitchell and secures his wicket could be the pivotal factor in determining the game's outcome. Notably, Rauf is yet to dismiss Mitchell in ODIs, and Mitchell boasts a strike rate of 104 against Rauf.