Another win should all but seal New Zealand’s spot in the semi-finals, while for Pakistan, it would be the bare minimum it needs to do to remain in contention.
The tournament’s most consistent team against its most unpredictable one. New Zealand is unbeaten in this World Cup. Pakistan has done what Pakistan does best – it has fluttered between being indifferent and being spectacular.
It makes it impossibly hard to determine which way this contest will go, and it’s the kind of uneasy excitement this tournament needs as teams begin to scrap ever more intensely for the final four spots.
A win for New Zealand should more or less take it there. Kane Williamson’s men have been outstanding across departments, led by the captain himself.
Ross Taylor has been a supporting act, but an effective one at that, while Colin de Grandhomme has struck vital runs and chipped in with economical overs to complement the pace attack.
Overview
New Zealand v Pakistan
Edgbaston, Birmingham
2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Match 33
Wednesday, 26 June; 10.30am GMT, 09.30am local
(Agencies)
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