Pakistan might want to continue playing Twenty20 cricket perpetually, given their success in the format. They will have to find a way to overcome a Black Caps outfit, which could be in the hunt for a rare bilateral ODI series win away from home.
If recent matches are anything to go by, any score greater than 250 could prove challenging to chase down – and teams batting first need to be wary of being shut out cheaply.
Pakistan v New Zealand | Wednesday, 7 November | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 13:00
To Win Match
Pakistan 8/3
Tie 5/1
New Zealand 13/10
*forecast odds
Pakistan
Pakistan’s recent ODI form has been incredibly patchy – and defeat to Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi during the Asia Cup will still linger in their minds.
The bowling unit are likely to be tasked with spearheading Pakistan’s challenge, given how the middle-order have struggled in ODI’s. The batting will be boosted by the return of Imam-ul-Haq, who missed the T20I series through injury.
Imad Wasim looks set to play his first ODI for over a year after impressing on his return to the team in the T20I series against Australia and New Zealand. He could even open the bowling, given his success with the new ball in the shortest format.
If Mohammad Hafeez can carry the form he found in Twenty20’s across to ODI cricket, then Pakistan will be in the driver’s seat for their encounters with the Black Caps. Hafeez has shown more intent than ever, but will also need to show more application in the longer of the limited-overs formats.
New Zealand
A lack of explosive batting options might work in New Zealand’s favour on the sluggish tracks in the UAE. The Black Caps will no doubt have reviewed the Asia Cup to get some insights into conditions – and have played Twenty20 cricket in Abu Dhabi.
New Zealand’s white-ball players will all be familiar with gritting it out on tough surfaces, but will need to work out the Pakistan spinners as soon as possible.
The bowling attack will be led by swing bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee as well as leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who has already proven his value in all conditions.
Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor anchor a solid middle-order, which should be able to put up a good fight in the UAE.
Verdict: Pakistan 8/3 *forecast odds
Pakistan know the conditions in the UAE so well and, with their season already in full swing, should have the edge over the Black Caps, who are playing their first ODI in several months.
