Post defeating an out-of-form South Africa, Pakistan will look to carry forward their form against an unbeaten New Zealand side in their ICC World Cup 2019 encounter at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham on Wednesday. Pakistan are at the seventh place in the points tally while New Zealand are standing strong in the second place.

Pakistan have stayed true to their ‘unpredictable’ tag in the competition up until this point. They have enlisted wins against top quality oppositions like England and South Africa. However, they have also had to experience thrashings against West Indies, Australia and India. Their game against Sri Lanka got washed out and now they have five points from six matches.

They have to win all their remaining matches and furthermore, hope that outcomes of other matches go in their favour to have any chance of qualifying for the next stage of the tournament.

Pakistan’s side has not been consistent with their performances. Their bowling has generally depended on left-arm pacer Mohammed Amir while their batting rotates around Hasan Ali, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. Their fielding will also remain a massive cause of concern for the team management and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The 1992 World Cup winners have dropped 14 catches in their six matches, excluding half chances. A much-improved performance against one of the best fielding sides of the world will be the only way they can taste success.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have been a team which has improved with each passing game. Their batting is driven by captain Kane Williamson who has been in good form and has just scored two big hundreds.

Their bowling, as well, looks in fine touch with Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner all contributing with wickets at important junctures of the match. With 11 points from six matches, the Black Caps are enjoying themselves at the top half of the table. A win against Pakistan will seal their place in the semi-finals.

An exciting contest is on the cards then when the two teams meet at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Action begins from 3 pm (IST) onwards.

Squads:

Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c/wk), Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Haris Sohail, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Colin Munro, Ish Sodhi, Henry Nicholls, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham