New Zealand show no mercy against Pakistan

Disappointing is probably an understatement when it comes to looking at Pakistan’s performance in the recent ODIs of their tour to New Zealand. Well, I guess that is the continued reputation of what is Pakistan cricket. When they are spoken highly of, they disappoint. But when they are written off, they can beat anyone.

Coming into this series I honestly viewed Pakistan among India as the in-form teams so far in the year. With the Champions Trophy title and a 5-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka, I thought that Pakistan had found the right balance. 

After losing the first ODI against New Zealand, Pakistan certainly showed some better moments of batting. But there was no consistency of partnerships and a real lack of planning by Pakistan. Winning the toss again, Pakistan elected to bat on a good surface and allowed themselves a great opportunity to assert their authority in the series. However, some poor batting from the top order left the tourists in trouble again. In particular, half-hearted shots from Babar Azam and Imam ul Haq showed that they have not adapted to the conditions and are not showing intent that needs to be shown on pitches in the Southern Hemisphere. But looking at Azhar Ali who again failed after yet another unnecessary shot that had him playing across the line and trapped in front for 6 runs. 

Despite the top order trouble, I thought that the batting of Mohammad Hafeez (60), Shadab Khan (52) and Hasan Ali (51) emphasised what a good surface it is to bat on. Moreover, they demonstrated the intent that needs to be shown against the bowling attack that New Zealand has. 

Finishing the innings at 9/246 on a good batting surface, it is fair to say that it was well below par. But when looking at the bowling that Pakistan have and the variety that they possess, I believed that they still had a red-hot chance given they take early wickets. And early wickets is what they did take as the in-form Colin Munro was out in the first over by Mohammad Amir and was later followed by Kane Williamson to leave the Kiwis at 2/47 and Pakistan certainly in a great position. However, as the rain came, Pakistan’s chances slowly washed away as the DL method began to favour the hosts. 

With 11 overs remaining and 84 runs to chase with 8 wickets in hand, it is fair to say that New Zealand were firm favourites. And with some poor fielding and defensive bowling New Zealand cruises to an 8 wicket win in Dunedin via the DL method.

Many analysers have claimed that it is unfair to place too much criticism on Pakistan due to the rain factor. However, I completely disagree that they were unlucky and that rain saved New Zealand. Pakistan I believe has the better bowling attack, but they did not utilise it in trying to take wickets in the last 11 overs of the game. I strongly side with the idea that it was the defensive bowling that cost Pakistan the match and that there seemed to be a lack of intent from the top order and last passage of bowling was very poor. 

With less than a day to go before the third ODI, Pakistan needs to win this to keep the series alive. They need to make some serious mindset alterations and restore the belief that they are well and truly good enough. I believe that Fakhar Zaman will be brought back in after his injury and replace Imam Ul Haq and maybe Amir Yamin to come in instead of Rumman Raees who I think has been below par so far. But it would be also interesting to see if they do include Mohammad Nawaz also in place of Rumman Raees and give an extra spin option which is not the best suit of the New Zealand team.

But for New Zealand, they have not faltered much in this series so far except for their middle overs bowling which I think is lacking a bit of consistency which has at times allowed Pakistan to regain some momentum. But I do not believe that they will make any changes to their XI given their current success against Pakistan.

Well, I do back Pakistan to hopefully claim a victory and keep the series alive, but let’s hope for a fantastic day of cricket and the rain stays away.

MY PAKISTAN 3RD ODI XI: Azhar Ali, Fahkar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Faheem Ashraf, Amir Yamin, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali.