World Cup 2023 | NZ vs PAK, Match 35 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-loifasb9Babar Azam needs to perform with the bat against New Zealand (Source: AP Photos)

We are approaching the business end of the tournament as New Zealand (NZ) and Pakistan (PAK) square off against each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. Match No. 35 is all set to take place on a doubleheader Super Saturday, November 04, 2023, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore at 10:30 AM IST. After winning the opening four encounters, the Kiwis have now lost three on the bounce, and with eight points, they are placed in the fourth position in the table.

 On the other hand, the Men in Green have won three and lost four, and with six points, they are placed just below the BlackCaps in the fifth spot in the table. Ahead of the game, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this fixture.

For More Fantasy Tips and Teams, Click Here.

NZ vs PAK, 35th  Match: Venue Analysis

The Bangalore track has always been full of runs as it is a batting paradise. The shorter dimensions and lightning quick outfield may offer more help to the batters. They should enjoy their time in the middle and score with ease.

M.Chinnaswamy Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 28
Matches Won Batting First: 12
Matches Won Batting Second: 13
Tied: 1
No Result: 2

Average First Innings Score: 260
Average Second Innings Score: 238

World Cup 2023 Record

Matches: 2
Matches Won Batting First: 1
Matches Won Batting Second: 1

Average First Innings Score: 261
Average Second Innings Score: 232
Highest Total Recorded: 367/9 by Australia vs Pakistan
Lowest Total Recorded: 156/10 by England vs Sri Lanka


NZ vs PAK, 35th Match - Toss Factor

Sides batting first and second have won a game each out of the two played so far at the venue. The skipper winning the toss may look to field first considering the history of this ground. Shorter boundaries and batting-friendly surface will be an important factor in a run-chase.

Scenario: If New Zealand Fields First

With Matt Henry now officially ruled out of the World Cup, the role of ace pace bowler Trent Boult becomes even more important. The left arm seamer has picked up ten wickets so far in this WC and will look to provide quick early wickets for his side that restricts the Pakistanis to a low score. Rachin Ravindra, who is the leading run-getter for the Kiwis so far along with Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell will be the main men in a huge run-chase.

Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First

Lethal pace bowler Shaheen Afridi has snared the most scalps (16) for his team so far in this campaign. The left arm seamer will again be the go-to-man for Babar Azam as they look to restrict the Kiwis to a low total. Fakhar Zaman, who looked in great touch in his comeback match last time out, along with captain Babar and Mohammad Rizwan will the men responsible for guiding their side to a victory in a run-chase.


NZ vs PAK, 35th Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Pakistan Fields first

Babar Azam (PAK)

Skipper Babar Azam hasn't yet played an impactful knock so far in this WC. The no. three right-handed batter is averaging 31 with three half-centuries to his name. Those three fifties have come in the last five outings. Babar, who smashed a hundred against the Kiwis in the 2019 WC, will look to lead his side from the front by finally playing an eye-catching and match-winning knock.

Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)

Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan is the leading run-getter for the Asian side in this campaign. The no. four right-hander has struck 359 runs at a solid average of 72 with one century and one half-century to his name. He is the mainstay of the Pakistan's middle-order and will again have to do the bulk of the scoring if his side is up against a stiff target.


Scenario: If New Zealand Fields First

Rachin Ravindra (NZ)

Rachin Ravindra has been the find of the tournament so far. The left-hander has smashed the most runs for his side with 415 runs at an average of 69.16 and a strike-rate of 105.59. He also has two hundred and as many fifties under his belt. Ravindra will be a vital cog for the Kiwis against quality Pakistani bowling line-up and a huge run-chase.

Daryl Mitchell (NZ)

Daryl Mitchell has racked up the second-most runs after Ravindra for the Kiwis in this campaign. The no. four right-handed player has amassed 346 runs in six innings at an average of 69.20 with one ton and two fifties. Mitchell is the backbone of this batting line-up and the New Zealanders will rely heavily on him while chasing.


NZ vs PAK, 35th Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Tom Latham (NZ)

Stand-in captain Tom Latham has just managed to score 151 runs in five innings at an average of 30.20 which includes two half-centuries. If Kane Williamson is still unavailable, it is finally time for Latham to step up and lead his side from the front by delivering a match-winning innings especially in a big run-chase. He looks a risky but could yet well be a notable pick.

Fakhar Zaman (PAK)

Destructive opener Fakhar Zaman played Pakistan's opening game against the Netherlands in Hyderabad where he managed to score only 12. The left-handed was then dropped from the next match until he finally returned for his side against Bangladesh last time out. The southpaw slammed 81 off 74 with three fours and seven maximums as he guided his team to a victory for which he also won the Player of the Match award. Zaman is another risky but worthy choice for this contest.