NZ vs PAK: New Zealand playing XI vs Pakistan, Match 35, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

New Zealand will take on Pakistan in match No. 35 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday.

New Zealand started the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with four consecutive wins and were at the top of the table. But then, they suffered three back-to-back defeats, and their chances to qualify for the semi-finals have come under the radar. New Zealand have to win both of their remaining games from here on.

For that, they need to beat Pakistan on Saturday. These two teams will come up against each other at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on November 4, which will be the first game of the double header. New Zealand will have to beat Pakistan, which will take them one step closer to the next round. Hence, we talk about the predicted playing XI for New Zealand against Pakistan.

NZ vs PAK: New Zealand’s Predicted playing XI vs Pakistan

1. Devon Conway (wk) :

Devon Conway started the tournament with a massive 152 not out, but he has looked a bit rusty in the recent games, which is why New Zealand have struggled. Conway’s role at the top is very crucial, and he will look to give his team a solid start in this must-win game. Conway has scored 279 runs at an average of 46.50.

2. Will Young :

Will Young has gotten starts in every game he has played so far and has always looked good for a good score. But he hasn’t converted those into a big one, indesed. That’s what will be on his mind. Young has scored 206 runs at an average of 34.33, and if he can give a good start against Pakistan, then New Zealand can be in a good position.

3. Rachin Ravindra :

Well, without Kane Williamson at No. 3, not many gave chances to this Kiwi team. But the way Rachin Ravindra has performed is just exceptional. The left-hander has been the best Kiwi batter in this tournament. He has 415 runs at an average and strike rate of 69.16 and 105.59, with two hundreds and two half-centuries, and will be a huge wicket for Pakistan.

4. Daryl Mitchell :

Daryl Mitchell is another consistent batter for New Zealand in this tournament. He has scored vital runs and maintained a good run rate during the middle overs, which has helped New Zealand score big in the end of the innings. Mitchell has scored 346 runs at an average and strike rate of 69.20 and 105.16. If he gets going, New Zealand will be up and running.

5. Tom Latham (c & wk) :

In the absence of Williamson, Tom Latham has led the team brilliantly. He has also made decent contributions with the bat. But his real test will be on Saturday. In a must-win situation, Latham is expected to deliver with the bat. He has scored 151 runs at 30.28, but it is time for a captain’s knock from him.

6. Glenn Phillips :

Glenn Phillips can be a game-changer for New Zealand, but not because of his power-hitting. But it is because of his off-spin. New Zealand have conceded 350+ totals in the last two matches, and he is the one that has gone for around 5 runs per over. Phillips has taken six wickets and has scored 186 runs with the bat as well. Adding to that, he is a live-wire in the field.

7. James Neesham :

James Neesham was hit on the hand against South Africa and looked in trouble. But with New Zealand suffering from so many injuries, he is expected to play. Neesham hasn’t had a good tournament so far, but one thing that can go in his favor is his hard-hitting ability. Neesham is a powerful striker of the ball, and Bengaluru is a perfect place to bat.

8. Mitchell Santner :

Mitchell Santner will be the key for New Zealand if they want to somehow restrict Pakistan to a low total. Santner has bowled enough on Indian pitches and knows how to contain the batters. He has taken 14 wickets so far at an economy rate of 5.03, which is exceptional. Pakistan will have to play him well in the middle overs. And he is also a good striker with the bat.

9. Kyle Jamieson :

Kyle Jamieson is expected to join the team after Matt Henry suffered a hamstring injury against South Africa. Jamieson has recovered and is fit to play. It can be a blessing in disguise because Jamieson has played IPL at this venue, and he knows the pitch and conditions pretty well, which can end in his favor on Saturday..

10. Tim Southee :

Tim Southee played his first game of the tournament against South Africa and picked up two wickets. But he can be a dangerous bowler because of the overcast conditions. The ball swings more under light, and in the morning game, he can get some help with the moisture. Thus, Southee can be the surprise package and take New Zealand to victory.

11. Trent Boult :

If we say Trent Boult will not be a threat, then it will be a foolish statement to make. Boult will be the most challenging bowler to face in the overcast conditions that is predicted for Saturday. If he can remove a couple of early wickets, then Pakistan’s middle-order will be under pressure, and New Zealand will be on the driver’s seat. He has already taken 10 wickets and will look to add a few more tomorrow.

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