PAK vs NZ, 2nd ODI: Preview, Prediction, Fantasy Tips

Pakistan won the first ODI convincingly [Source: AP]

On Wednesday, hosts Pakistan will lock horns with New Zealand in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series. The game is scheduled at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi. 

Riding on Naseem Shah's fifer and a superb collective effort from the batters, Pakistan recorded an easy six-wicket victory over their counterparts in the first game. While their spin twins Usama Mir and Mohammad Nawaz weaved their magic, Mohammad Wasim Jr scalped the crucial breakthrough of Finn Allen. However, the hosts would like better returns from Haris Rauf, who went wicketless in the first match, conceding 54 runs in his eight-over spell. Meanwhile, all the batters, barring Imam-ul-Haq, had dream outings and would hope to replicate something similar in this clash. 

On the other hand, New Zealand performed in patches, which led to their downfall in the first game. Although they were saved by their lower middle-order batters Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner, the visitors would like better performances from Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Similarly, bowlers, barring Michael Bracewell, would like to perform impactfully in this game. 

Match Details

Date and Time: January 11, 3.00 PM IST
Venue: National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App

Pitch Report: The surface in Karachi will be batting-friendly, having decent help for the spinners. The track will be slower in the first half, with batting becoming significantly easier later. So, the toss-winner should bowl first. 

Predicted XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Usama Mir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

Cricket Exchange fantasy Tips

Wicket-keepers: Tom Latham, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Glenn Phillips, Imam-ul-Haq
All-Rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell
Bowlers: Naseem Shah, Usama Mir, Tim Southee

Captain: Babar Azam
Vice Captain: Mohammad Rizwan

Prediction

Pakistan have the home advantage and are high on confidence. Therefore, we reckon the hosts will seal the game and series on Wednesday. 

Also Read: IND vs SL, 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma surpasses Gambhir and Sehwag in a milestone