ODI World Cup 2023: Why are Matt Henry and Usama Mir not playing in 35th match between New Zealand and Pakistan?

Pakistan and New Zealand met in a do-or-die clash in the ODI World Cup 2023 in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 4.

The two teams made some interesting changes to their respective playing XIs for the all-important clash. The Kiwis received a huge boost as talismanic captain Kane Williamson returned to the side in place of Will Young. Alongside Williamson, Mark Chapman also returned to the playing XI. He replaced seam-bowling all-rounder James Neesham. Ish Sodhi was also named in the playing XI in place of the injured Matt Henry.

For the unversed, Henry has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a hamstring strain during New Zealand's crushing defeat against South Africa in their last match. Kyle Jamieson has replaced him in the 15-man squad. Neesham also suffered a bruised right wrist injury during the game against the Proteas after being struck by the ball while bowling.

Meanwhile, Pakistan made a solitary change to their playing XI as Hasan Ali, who missed a few matches due to illness, made a return, replacing leg-spinner Usama Mir. Hasan Ali played the first five matches for Pakistan in the tournament and picked up eight wickets. His experience could be useful for the 'Men in Green' as they look to make a late dash into the semi-finals.

What did the two captains say at the toss?

Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field first. The Pakistan captain reckoned that there would be moisture early on in the surface and the bowlers will reap the benefits if they are able to hit good lengths and execute their plans. Williamson, on the other hand, felt that the surface looked different from what he expected at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The 33-year-old also said that there could be some assistance for the spinners.

"We will have a bowl first because of moisture on the surface. We have good bowling and we are trying to hit good lengths and execute our plans. We have one change. Usama Mir is not playing and Hasan Ali is playing. I'm feeling good (with the form), but not been able to finish games, I will try my best to enjoy myself and looking forward to the game," Babar said.

Kane Williamson said: "Slightly different looking surface to what we expect here. We will try to put a competitive target and adapt to the conditions. Nice to be back out here, obviously few niggles in the camp and the guys are very excited for the challenge today. We have 2 changes. Ish Sodhi comes in for Matt Henry and I come in for Will Young. Looks like it might take some turn. For us, it's about sticking to our plans and adapting to conditions as best as we can."

Pakistan (Playing XI): Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam(C), Mohammad Rizwan(WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf

New Zealand (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson(C), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult