Image Credit- ICC
One of the World Cup league stage matches with the
highest stakes remaining is New Zealand vs. Pakistan. It appeared as though
Pakistan was the only team left out and New Zealand was the only one remaining
in the four semi-finalists till a few days ago. Since then, things have
changed.
Things have taken a sharp turn for the worst in New
Zealand. Following a run of four straight victories to begin the league stage,
the team’s condition has deteriorated, and three straight losses as well as
player injuries have increased. Even though they trained in Bengaluru the night
before the match, several of their players are currently recovering from
injuries, thus a few more losses could mean that New Zealand is eliminated.
Who among them didn’t crush England at the outset?
They then defeated the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan with more
reliable than spectacular performances. Both of New Zealand’s losses to India
and Australia, both by narrow margins, demonstrated their lack of true star
power, especially without Kane Williamson. The only really bad performance was
against South Africa, where they were crushed 190 runs to nil, keeping Pakistan
intrigued.
However, while concerns about New Zealand’s decline
may have some merit, it’s quite likely that predictions of Pakistan’s rise are
overblown. They may have dreamed of reaching the semi-finals again after a few
favourable outcomes, but Babar Azam’s team’s only contribution to that goal was
a convincing victory over Bangladesh, one of the weakest teams in the
competition. It was preceded by four consecutive losses that put them in their
current predicament. Concerns about Pakistan’s incapacity to convert opening
positions, the middle order’s fragility, and the bowlers’ inconsistent play
continue.
Even so, Pakistan has won ICC tournaments despite
having a weak side in the past, and there are signs that the last few pieces of
the puzzle are starting to fit together again.
Pakistan will want to take what they have on Saturday,
while New Zealand will attempt to hold onto what they have. There haven’t been
many close games in this World Cup, but a heated competition for fourth place
might start one.