ICC World Cup 2019 – Match 33: NZ vs PAK – New Zealand Predicted Playing XI

Things went rather unexpected and haywire for New Zealand in their last game against Windies. A match that they should’ve won easily was turned upside down all of a sudden after the onslaught from Carlos Brathwaite. However, they’d feel fortunate that they have maintained their unbeaten streak after they pulled off a win from the jaws of a loss.

Now, the team gears up for the last few challenges of the league stage starting with the game against Pakistan. In all likelihood, one win in these three games will seal them a spot in the semis. They wouldn’t want to leave that too late and will look to do it in the next game itself. Also, it is the time for New Zealand to check a few unticked boxes by trying out a few new playing combinations.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for New Zealand:

Openers (Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls)

The opening spot has been a slight matter of concern for the Kiwis. Both Martin Guptill and Colin Munro haven’t tasted a huge deal of success so far. Against Windies, both of them bagged golden ducks which was concerning. With a few more games to go in the league stages, the Kiwis will look to keep their options open.

Thus, they might possibly rope Henry Nicholls into the side to test and see how things pan out. Nicholls has regained his fitness and will look to make the opening spot his own if given a chance. Guptill, though, is likely to get another chance.

Middle Order (Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk))

The New Zealand batting has predominantly been about Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. At least one of them is ensuring to see the team through and the oppositions haven’t yet found a way to get the better of them. The Blackcaps’ skipper scored a brilliant hundred in the last match while Taylor turned up with a half-century.

Both these players have got a massive responsibility on their shoulders given that the batting isn’t as reliable after they get out. Tom Latham has had his troubles and has disappointed more often than not. He is yet to get a big score in the tournament and should catch up with some good form soon.

All Rounders (James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner)

James Neesham has been doing a fair job both with the bat as well as the ball. He will definitely hold onto his place in the side. Colin de Grandhomme has taken up the role of a finisher and has lived up to the expectations. With the ball, he is delivering economical spells and has also managed to pick up some crucial wickets of the opposition players. Mitchell Santer will be the third all-rounder in this team and adds flexibility to the batting and bowling attacks.

Bowlers (Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson)

Matt Henry has seemed slightly off the mark in the last few matches. Given the way he performed earlier in the tournament, the management will give him a few more chances. But there is someone like Tim Southee waiting in the ranks and Henry has got to deliver soon. Trent Boult has been going a decent job tying the oppositions down.

He picked up four wickets against the Windies and will test the Pakistan openers with the new ball. Lockie Ferguson, who has been highly consistent, will continue to be the third pacer. He picked up three wickets in the last match and has been one of the best bowlers for his team.