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

Pakistan will lock horns with with New Zealand in match No. 35 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday.

Pakistan started the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with consecutive wins. But after that, the whole thing changed when they faced India in Ahmedabad. Pakistan have lost four matches on the trot, and looked out of sorts. However, Pakistan have gathered themselves and recorded a comprehensive win against Bangladesh in the last game.

But the question is, can they continue the momentum? Pakistan need two big wins to qualify for the semi-finals. They will face New Zealand on Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. If they can beat New Zealand, it can help them inch closer to the path of the semis. In this article, we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Pakistan against New Zealand.

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

1. Fakhar Zaman :

Fakhar Zaman will be the X factor for Pakistan, and he is the man who can take his team to a winning position. If Fakhar gets going, he can smash big sixes, as seen in the last game. Since coming back from injury, he played a match-winning knock of 81 against Bangladesh which included seven sixes. His team will hope for him to replicate something like that and take his team to victory.

2. Abdullah Shafique :

Abdullah Shafique has been the biggest positive for Pakistan in this tournament. Pakistan tried him in the absence of Fakhar, and he grabbed the chance with both hands. He is the second-highest run-scorer for his team and has made 332 runs at an average and strike rate of 55.33 and 95.12 with one hundred and three half-centuries. He will look to continue his form and provide a good start.

3. Babar Azam (c) :

The role of Babar Azam will be huge in this must-win game. Apart from three half-centuries, Babar has struggled so far, which is the reason for Pakistan’s poor performance. But not to forget, he has been at the top of the rankings for more than two years, which reflects his impact, and he will certainly be looking to take his team to victory on Saturday and do well individually.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk) :

A lot will depend on how Mohammad Rizwan bats in the middle overs. He is the best batter for his team in this tournament. Rizwan has scored 359 runs at an average and strike rate of 71.80 and 98.89, and he is one of those players who can take the game away from the opposition.

5. Saud Shakeel :

Saud Shakeel is another batter who has done well for Pakistan when things got tough. The left-hander has made 212 runs at a strike rate of 101.43. Shakeel has done well whenever there are some early wickets from the top, and his ability to play spin well makes him an important player in this line-up.

6. Iftikhar Ahmed :

Iftikhar Ahmed completes this batting-order perfectly. He is capable of hitting sixes at will, and Bengaluru is the place for him to go berserk. Iftikhar has also been an improved spinner, and Pakistan have used him to restrict the batters. His dual role will be key for his team, and he is a confident player who can make an impact.

7. Salman Ali Agha :

Salman Ali Agha played his first game against Bangladesh but didn’t have much to do. But he is a handy all-rounder who has proven himself at the test level with both bat and ball. He can hit the ball long and can also contribute with the ball. Salman can be a hero if he can perform well tomorrow.

8. Shaheen Afridi :

Shaheen Afridi showed some glimpses in the last game when he took two early wickets with the new ball, and if he can do something similar, then New Zealand will be under more pressure. Shaheen has taken 16 wickets so far, and he will be the biggest threat for New Zealand.

9. Usama Mir :

There is no update for Shadab Khan, which means Usama Mir will be playing against New Zealand. Usama hasn’t delivered so far with the kind of variations he has, but it will be the first time for Kiwi batters playing against him, so he can be pretty effective against them. He has taken four wickets so far.

10. Mohammad Wasim Jr. :

Mohammad Wasim Jr. has made an impact in the two games he has played. He has taken five wickets in two games at an economy rate of 4.45. Wasim bowls at a perfect length, and his yorkers are very hard to handle for a batter. He can be a nippy bowler if there is movement, and he can trouble Kiwi batters.

11. Haris Rauf :

Haris Rauf will be the bowler to watch out for. He can be expensive, but he can bowl some unplayable balls at times. With a speed of over 150 km/h, he can trouble any batter in the world. Haris has taken 12 wickets so far and is a wicket-taking bowler who can be lethal if he gets into good rhythm.

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