33rd Match - New Zealand v Pakistan

[stephen]

That's just grammatical pedantry in this context.

It's not actually. Its a deliberate choice to call them the laws of cricket instead of the rules of cricket. There is supposed to be room for interpretation and common sense.

 

[Starfighter]

It's not actually. Its a deliberate choice to call them the laws of cricket instead of the rules of cricket. There is supposed to be room for interpretation and common sense.

Absolutely distinction without difference in this case. Laws aren't defined by having 'room for interpretation and common sense'.

 

[stephen]

Absolutely distinction without difference in this case. Laws aren't defined by having 'room for interpretation and common sense'.

Depends on the judge.

 

[rythy]

Huge match. Do or die for Pakistan. If they win most likely they qualify.

 

[bk19xsa]

Pakistan's tail will be up after both their win against SA and England's loss to Australia. The vociferous Birmingham crowd will be fully behind them.

If New Zealand has to stand a chance, then they need to bat first. Pakistan do well chasing. Otherwise expect Pakistan to score 280+ and strangle out Kiwi batting.

 

[James90]

The team that needs to win > the team that wants to win.

Although we are talking about Pakistan...

 

[Athlai]

Since the last World Cup NZ have lost 1 ODI to Pakistan and won 8.

 

[Howsie]

Even before that World Cup we seemed to have there number.

Honestly I’m a pretty big critic of this New Zealand team but I don’t think Pakistan will trouble them. How many times in the recent past have either Boult or Henry run through them? Seems like a lot.

 

[Athlai]

I mean they definitely have it in them to beat us, but we should deadset be favourites for this one.

 

[smash84]

Have not been able to follow the matches lately but looks Pakistan have a slight opening here. Hard to see them beating NZ though. NZ seem to have the wood on us since that 2011 world cup match where khatmal dropped Ross Taylor's. Things haven't been the same since

 

[weldone]

Doesn't Boult bowl even better against left-handers? Both Pak openers are lefties, and their finishers Haris Sohail and Imad Wasim are lefties. 2 wickets at top, and 2 wickets at the death - Kane won't be unhappy with that performance from his star bowler.

 

[Bahnz]

Yeah, NZ big favourites. Expect them to win.

 

[Jezroy]

Well after England have lost over night, a lot on the line for Pakistan in this one.

If they can lock this one away they've got AFG and BAN, so this SHOULD be the hardest one for them. But Pakistan.

 

[straw man]

THIS is the match to bring in Nicholls for Munro - it has to happen now or they'll be too fearful to bring him in against England/Australia/India for the rest of the tournament. Munro is a spud. Moreover, teams haven't even targeted the first 10 overs for quick runs because there's something in it for the bowlers, so Nicholls starting a little slowly doesn't hurt. And you know, he might score more than 30.

Don't need any other changes but absolutely have to make this one.

 

[Bahnz]

Yup, unfortunately it doesn't sound like the selectors are going to go that way, but Munro absolutely has to give way. He's done nothing all tournament save bashing a downhill 50 against a demoralised SL attack in a match we'd already won with the ball.

 

[aussie tragic]

NZ are already assured of a semi final, so bring it on Pakistan...#kickengoutofworldcup

 

[Athlai]

NZ are already assured of a semi final, so bring it on Pakistan...#kickengoutofworldcup

NZ are not assured of a semi final.

If NZ lose their remaining matches they remain on 11 points.

AU 12 points
If India win 2 of their remaining 4 games, they move to 13 points.
If England win all 2 of their remaining games, they move to 12 points.

If Sri Lanka win their 3 remaining matches (India/WI/SA) - 12 points - NZ out


If Bangladesh win their 2 remaining games (India/Pakistan), they move to 11 points - NRR would determine if NZ is out
If Pakistan win their 2 remaining games (having already beaten NZ - Bangladesh/Afghanistan) they move to 11 points - NRR would determine if NZ is out

 

[aussie tragic]

You lost me when you said Eng to win all 2 remaining games lol

 

[Athlai]

England beating us and losing their last match would also be enough to help the Bangladesh/Pakistan scenarios be the reason we drop out too I guess.

 

[Moss]

NZ no doubt favourites for this game, but would say it's around 60 40 at best. Actually feel the last ODI series between these two sides is a better indicator than the 12-1 recent record that is being quoted all around. It was drawn 1-1 with the decider being rained off in a tough NZ chase (280,Williamson unavailable). NZ had their fair share of problems against Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi then. Also, Pakistan in must-win mode is a funny animal to say the least.

All the reports I'm reading suggest that NZ are going to stick with the same XI which is a bit silly I think. Watched yesterday's England Australia game at Lords (which is where NZ play Aus on Saturday) and don't see Munro having any answers to Aussie quicks in those conditions. Time to bring in Nicholls as soon as possible IMO. Also, Lord's looks tailor made for Southee and he's done well on that ground in the past, if at all there was a case for playing him it would be there. Wouldn't mind him getting some game time today just to assess where he is at right now, though less critical that the opening slot.