The second semi-finals of the Champions Trophy will see the Pakistanis take on New Zealand at Wanderers in Johannesburg. Pakistan had finished second in their group after their loss to Australia, whereas New Zealand and England had tied on points in their group but the Kiwis went marginally ahead with their better net run rate.

The Pakistanis would go into the game as favourites. After all, their side looks like the most balanced one on paper. Apart from the top order, in which Younus Khanseems to not have too much trust usually, the batting has looked good. Shoaib Malik has been in sublime touch in all the games, including the one warm-up match as well, and that would mean that he would be the batsman to watch out for in the semi-finals.

This is not to say that Mohammad Yousuf or Younus Khan cannot bat, but the problem with the latter is that he is still recovering from his thumb fracture and that would be something that would play on his mind. While Misbah-ul-Haq's pyrotechnics while getting out are worth a watch, his batting left a lot to be desired, it would make more sense for Pakistan to get in Imran Nazir at the top. Nazir can change the complexion of the games with his aggressive batting and that would be something to look forward to.

With a bowling line-up that boasts of Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamer and Naved-ul-hasan - Mohammad Asif will not play in the knock-out - the pitch at Johannesburg will definitely be onf a huge assistance to them.

The Kiwis, on the other hand, will be underdogs going into this game. They will know that they have already got a depleted line-up, what with injuries to the likes of Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder and now, even Darrly Tuffey - someone who would have enjoyed these conditions - is out of the tournament with an injury. This has meant that Iain O'Brien will join the side, but one is not sure whether he will be ready to play the game against Pakistan. With Ian Butler fit from his stomach bug, he will continue playing in the eleven, with backup from Shane Bond and James Franklin as Daniel Vettori will look to Grant Elliot to continue with his bowling form.

The Kiwi batting has shown an inclination to collapse at regular intervals, and that is the one thing that they will have to safeguard against if they wish to harbour any chances of going through to the finals.

Tag :- Champions Trophy   Daniel Vettori   Jacob Oram   Mohammad Asif   Mohammad Yousuf   New Zealand   Pakistan   Shane Bond   Shoaib Malik   Younus Khan