PAK vs NZ Match Prediction & Betting Tips - Nov 07, 2018

The focus in New Zealand tour of Pakistan now shifts to the ODI leg after the men in green blanked Kiwis 3-0 in the three-match T20I series. Pakistan have been dominating in the two extreme formats of the game, but have lacked the same dominance in the 50-over format which was validated by their failure to qualify for the final in Asia Cup 2018.

New Zealand will be looking for redemption going into the ODI series which begins with the first ODI to be played on 7th October at UAE. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be keen to prove their mettle in this format of the game as well.

PAK vs NZ Team Previews

Pakistan

Pakistan triumphed on 11th consecutive occasion in the T20 format with their 3-0 win against New Zealand. However, their ODI record is nowhere close to what they've done in the shortest format. In addition to their poor performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup, they have a poor record against New Zealand in recent ODIs. They have lost all of their 11 completed matches against the Kiwis.

They'll go in with largely the same squad as the T20s with the addition of Imam ul Haq back to their top-order which should sort their top-order issues to some extent. Imam ul Haq was in terrific touch prior to the injury and will be looking to carry on from where he left. With Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez available next, their top-order looks solid. The next in line are the likes of Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Khan, and Asif Ali who all can tonk the ball whenever required. However, Asif Ali's poor range of shots was exploited by the Kiwis in the T20s and it will be on the cards in the fifty over as well unless he improves on his off-side game.

Unlike their batting order, which has some issues with the finishing, their bowling looks settled. The two spinners wreaked havoc on the Kiwi batsmen in the T20s and they will hold the key in the ODIs as well. Shaheen Afridi was used brilliantly by Sarfraz Khan and his performance will be vital once again. Overall, Pakistan have two weak points, both of which are in their batting department. Their bowling looks settled and will hold the key in the upcoming series.

Pakistan Playing 11

F Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, SI Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Junaid Khan.


New Zealand

Similar to Pakistan, the Kiwis have been really fragile with their batting against spinners. They started well with the bat in the series, but unlike the expectations, it progressively worsened with every passing match. It was highlighted further when they lost the last T20 match after coming into the position to dictate terms before losing eight wickets for 23 runs.

The injury to Corey Anderson will keep him out of the series which is a big blow for their already struggling middle-order. However, they have a strong set of batsmen who can build the innings as opposed to T20s, where hitting from the word go is what is usually required. Kane Williamson found form in the lost touch and played a well-compiled innings of 60. Alongside him, Ross Taylor will have a big role to play for New Zealand to bounce back in what has otherwise been a fruitless tour for them.

Their bowling did reasonably well in the shortest format and it will be further strengthened by the return of Trent Boult to their attack. Lokie Ferguson and Ajaz Patel have been included in the squad and might feature in the playing eleven depending upon the conditions prevalent at the match day. It will be a perfect opportunity for them to build their squad before the World Cup. Considering Pakistan's superb run in T20s, it's going to be a tough ask for them, but they certainly have the capability to topple any team on their day.

New Zealand Playing 11

George Worker, Colin Munro, KS Williamson, Ross Taylor, TWM Latham, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, TG Southee, IS Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, TA Boult.

PAK vs NZ Toss Prediction

Although there is a possibility of dew, the surface might tend to get slow as the game progresses. The captain winning the toss, is, therefore, expected to bat first.

Read our guide on toss predictions to learn how we analyze and come up with our tips.

Pitch and Conditions

The conditions in the ODI leg won't be too different to what they were like in the T20s. As was the case earlier, the spinners are likely to play a key role, but the onset of dew might just make it easier for the batsmen late in the game. Any total in excess of 270 will require good effort to chase it down from the team batting second.

PAK vs NZ Betting Tips

The Kiwis will be a more confident team as compared to what they were like in T20s considering their ability to build the innings. Kane Williamson's knock would have instilled a lot of confidence in the team and will be a key player for them. Similar to the visitors, Pakistan, too, have some issues to deal with. As seen in recent times, their batsmen have struggled to pace their innings in this format. Although it's difficult to disregard any team coming off such a fine T20 run, the change of format will mean an altogether different challenge for Pakistan. With experience available in both batting and bowling department and ability to pace and build the innings, New Zealand are favorites to win the upcoming match.

Today Match Prediction

New Zealand To Win the Match, 2.35

Bet Tip Here

Who will win PAK vs NZ

Pakistan 61.3% (160)
New Zealand 38.7% (101)
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