Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st ODI, Match Prediction: Who will win the Match?

Pakistan have played exceptionally well in the recently concluded T20I series against Australia and New Zealand. The Men in Green have won six matches in a row and have looked a class apart from their opponents. Sarfraz Ahmed and Co are now set to lock horns in a three-match ODI series against the Black Caps that start tomorrow with the first match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Their form in the 50-overs format hasn’t been great by any means as the flattered to deceive in the Asia Cup, bowing out before the final. On the contrary, the Kiwis haven’t played ODI cricket for the last eight months and they are expected to be a tad rusty. After a dominating show in the shortest format, Pakistan would be keen to carry on with their rich vein of form in international cricket.

Pitch

The track is expected to get slower as the match progresses and the same was palpable during the Asia Cup. Hence, the team winning the toss would want to bat first, put runs on the board and then exert pressure on the oppositions with the tweakers. Both teams also have quite a few quality spinners in their ranks to take advantage of the favourable conditions.

Team Combinations

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are the opening batsmen with Babar Azam to follow. The middle-order has the experience of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, both of whom can roll their arms over as well. A lot would depend on skipper Sarfraz. The power-hitter Asif Ali is slotted to come in next. Imad and Shadab are the spinners. Either of Junaid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi may play.

Predicted XI

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (C & wk), Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan/Shaheen Shah Afridi

New Zealand

George Worker and Colin Munro are the opening batsmen with captain Kane Williamson to follow. Ross Taylor, being the most experienced batsmen, needs to come to the party. Tom Latham is slotted to come in next with Henry Nicholls to follow. The fast-bowling department has the pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee with Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi being the two spinners.

Predicted XI

George Worker, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult

Probable top performers

Babar Azam– Pakistan, Kane Williamson- New Zealand

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 16:30 IST: 15:00 local

The prediction is for Pakistan to win the match.