World Cup 2023, Match 35 | Strategic Corner - Who Will Prevail in the Do or Die Affair?
New Zealand will be up against Pakistan in the 35th match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
New Zealand's fortunes in the World Cup have taken a sharp downturn in the past two weeks. Just a fortnight ago, they were riding high, occupying one of the top two spots on the points table with eight points from four matches. However, their match against India in Dharamshala marked the beginning of their struggles. Since that loss, they have been unable to secure a single victory in their next three matches.
Adding to their woes, New Zealand has been grappling with a growing list of injuries. Regular captain Kane Williamson is still on the path to recovery, while Matt Henry is nursing a hamstring injury. Lockie Ferguson missed the last game due to a similar concern, and Jimmy Neesham is also dealing with a wrist injury.
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In contrast, Pakistan recently bounced back after four consecutive defeats. Following their initial two wins in the World Cup, they faced a crushing defeat at the hands of India in Ahmedabad, followed by losses to Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa.
However, they made three crucial changes in their last match against Bangladesh, including a revamped performance by Fakhar Zaman at the top of the order, which played a significant role in their victory. To enhance their chances of qualification, Pakistan now needs to secure victories in all their upcoming matches.
Contrasting Death Overs Stats for New Zealand and Pakistan
Death overs play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of a cricket match, whether it's during the batting or bowling phase. Performance in these crucial overs often sets the tone for the rest of the game. When comparing the performance of bowlers from New Zealand and Pakistan, there's a significant difference.
In the case of New Zealand, their bowlers have struggled in the death overs. Throughout six matches, they have an economy rate of 7.52 and an average of 25.31 in the death overs. Notably, they have conceded a substantial number of 24 sixes during this phase.
On the other hand, Pakistan's bowlers have excelled in the death overs. Their economy rate in these overs stands at an impressive 5.58, with an average of 13.17. What sets them apart is their ability to minimize the damage, conceding just five sixes. This is a remarkable performance by the Pakistani bowlers in the death overs, indicating their effectiveness and control during this critical phase of the game.
In the context of the World Cup, the performance in death overs can be a deciding factor in a team's success. Pakistan's bowlers have clearly excelled in this aspect, which bodes well for their chances in the tournament, while New Zealand's bowlers may need to address their challenges in the death overs to improve their team's prospects.
Conclusion
The clash between New Zealand and Pakistan is shaping up to be a crucial encounter with significant implications for the semi-final race. Both teams are in contention for the top four spots, and this game could be a turning point in their World Cup campaigns.
Pakistan will be determined to continue their winning streak, while New Zealand will be eager to end their recent losses and regain their momentum. As the competition intensifies, the battle for the semi-final positions becomes even more intriguing, and both New Zealand and Pakistan have the potential to secure a spot among the top four teams.
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