The Black Caps are in familiar territory. After losing the opening the one-dayer they find themselves behind for the third time in the tour. That’s not the only familiarity of the NZ situation either. The Black Caps also face dilemmas over their openers and their all-rounders. Both are of equal concern; causing headaches for the selectors as the look to settle on their best lineup for a World Cup that some (Kevin Pieterson included) are expecting them to do very well at.
The Black Cap’s average ODI opening partnership over the last two years is the worst of test playing nations at 18.36 with a run rate of 4.17 and highest stand of 66. Next worst is the West Indies average partnership of 29.57. That’s because they have tried a whole host of different names. Players like Rob Nicol, Jesse Ryder, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Tom Latham and BJ Watling have all had a go, with limited success. While Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill look set to be the openers for the Black Caps at the World Cup both are unavailable for this match and there’s some serious concern for the form of Anton Devcich and Dean Brownlie.
Also suffering from massive a form slump is Jimmy Neesham. The military medium paced Dunedin all-rounder hasn’t scored over 18 runs in any of his last 11 innings’, in all formats. With Corey Anderson out concussed, Neesham needs to do much more to cement a spot in the top Black Caps XI. Especially considering Kane Williamson can return to the bowling crease.
Pakistan have less worries but will be looking for runs from their top order.
The Last Time These Two Met
Pakistan won a nail-biter that they never should have. The Black Caps struggled (with a soft ball) to dislodge the well-set pair of Haris Sohail and Shahid Afridi. The pair’s partnership ensuring a 1-0 series lead.
The Teams
Pakistan (likely): 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Ahmed Shehzad, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Asad Shafiq, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Haris Sohail, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 8 Shahid Afridi, 9 Umar Gul, 10 Wahab Riaz, 11 Mohammad Irfan
New Zealand (likely): 1 Anton Devcich, 2 Dean Brownlie, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham, 6 Jimmy Neesham, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Nathan McCullum, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Adam Milne/Matt Henry
The Key Players
Haris Sohail – The maturity shown in his match-winning knock in game one was a pleasure to watch. He paced his innings s o nicely it was surprising that he had made his way to 85* by the end of it, without a shot in anger. For a player that makes so many first class runs perhaps the first ODI knock will be the catalyst for further International success.
Daniel Vettori – Vettori did it all in game one. He made runs, took wickets and also chimed in with a stunning catch. Proving that age is no barrier, the left armer turned, sprinted, and clung on to an epic catch to dismiss Misbah, a catch that should have set NZ on their way to victory. Look for Vettori to be treated more cautiously in game two. Most teams prefer to see out his ten overs for 30 runs and score big of the others – Pakistan will catch on to this too.
The Odds*
Pakistan – $1.57
New Zealand – $2.40
*International Cricket odds courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.
The Prediction
We have one eye on the result here and one eye on whether Ross Taylor can score four consecutive ODI hundreds. Tom Waterhouse has him at just $4.25 to top score, but we don’t think he’ll get there. We also don’t think the Black Caps have the game winners to get them over the line either. Pakistan by 4 wickets or 40 runs.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
