 The second match of the series ended in a disappointing abandonment with just
over four overs bowled.
The game gave us an idea of few things such as Ahmad Shahzad's intent as he
logged Tim Southee for six off this third ball. Other thing was the pressure
and uncertainty over Pakistan team selection. Shoaib Akhtar was left
out for the ODI along with Abdur Rehman who has done well recently.
It also showed us the fact that New Zealand are keen on making Hamish
Bennett bowl with the new ball. The third ODI of the series will be played at
Christchurch on Saturday. It will be a day night game.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Pakistan
New Zealand are without their skipper Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor will lead
the New Zealand team. New Zealand selectors have called Luke Woodcock
the left handed Wellington all rounder.
New Zealand selectors say that they want everyone in their World Cup squad
to have a decent exposure to match practice before the next month's World Cup.
It would be interesting to see if James Franklin or Hamish Bennett open
the bowling with Tim Southee.
Martin Guptill will open the batting with Jesse Ryder, while Brendon McCullum
will bat lower in the order. New Zealand have improved their limited overs performance
at home. They won the T20 series against Pakistan and are leading them 1-0 in
the ODI series. New Zealand would want to make it 2-0 but without Daniel Vettori
it may be slightly harder than the first outing.
New Zealand have won one of their last five matches.
Pakistan did start the Wellington ODI brightly but an unclear selection policy
has made it difficult for them to gain momentum. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi explained that since there can be no experimenting during the World
Cup, Pakistan are testing all their shorts in this series. The captaincy debate
is still there are growing with each passing minute.
Misbah ul Haq scored a half century while the rest of Pakistan batting fumbled.
Another performance like that at Christchurch on January 29 will tip the scale
in his direction further.
Pakistan have a lot of work to do in the series which still is anybody's as
there are four matches to go. Finding the right combination with bat and bowl
is their top priority. Pakistan started the last game with intent. If
they can carry a similar belief in the Christchurch day nighter, they may well
square the series at one apiece.
Pakistan have won two of their last five completed games.
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