New Zealand is all set to take on the Pakistan in Match 35 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on Saturday, November 4 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Both the teams have a star-studded squad that can change the course of the game with their abilities. New Zealand is the favourite to win this encounter against Pakistan.
New Zealand and Pakistan have a fierce rivalry in the format. Both teams have played 115 ODI matches, with New Zealand winning 51 games and Pakistan winning 60 games so far in the head to head encounters. In this article, we will take a look at the key player battles to watch out for in the match 35 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between New Zealand and Pakistan.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Top 5 Players to Watch Out in New Zealand vs Pakistan Today Match
Here are three player battles to watch out for during NZ vs PAK match:
1) Trent Boult vs Abdullah Shafique
Trent Boult is a master of exploiting conditions favoring movement with the new ball. While he hasn’t captured as many wickets as he’d like, his reputation remains formidable, especially after his stellar performance against South Africa. Abdullah Shafique, a consistent scorer for Pakistan in this World Cup, will be a key challenge for Boult. How Boult strategizes against Shafique’s wicket will be intriguing to watch.
2) Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Devon Conway
After an impressive century in the first game of the tournament, Conway’s form has waned in recent matches, resulting in early dismissals. He faces the formidable Shaheen Shah Afridi in this encounter, who has elevated his game since his five-wicket haul against Australia. Shaheen displayed his prowess with the new ball in the last match, adding significance to this battle, as both players are integral to their teams, and they have not previously crossed paths in ODIs.
3) Daryl Mitchell vs Haris Rauf
Two dynamic and impactful players, Daryl Mitchell and Haris Rauf, known for their game-changing abilities, are set to clash. Positioned as middle-overs enforcers, this battle pits power against speed, likely to occur during the crucial middle phase of the game. Both players are in form, with Mitchell making consistent contributions with the bat and Rauf excelling in taking wickets. How Rauf handles Mitchell and secures his wicket could be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome. Notably, Rauf is yet to dismiss Mitchell in ODIs, and Mitchell boasts a strike rate of 104 against Rauf.