We’re heading to Saxton Oval this Tuesday as New Zealand takes on Pakistan in the second ODI of their gripping series.
The mighty Black Caps are back at the venue where they recently enjoyed a comfortable T20I win against the West Indies, and they’ll be looking to keep their impressive ODI winning streak alive on home soil.
Pakistan saw their impressive run of nine consecutive ODI wins snapped in the series opener, but don’t underestimate these Champions Trophy holders – they bring plenty of threat and talent to the field.
Match Details: New Zealand vs Pakistan | Tuesday, 9 January | Saxton Oval, Nelson | 0:00
Match Odds to Win
New Zealand 36/100 | Tie 35/1 | Pakistan 43/20
New Zealand Insights
The Kiwis were dominant in Wellington, riding the wave of their momentum from the West Indies encounter into a strong performance against Pakistan. However, maintaining that dominance in Nelson won’t be straightforward.
With changes expected in the squad for the rest of the five-match series, this game offers a final opportunity for players like Todd Astle and Lockie Ferguson to showcase why they belong.
Ferguson’s raw pace is a big plus, but if Tim Southee and Trent Boult can fire as they did with the new ball, the need for Ferguson lessens. The inclusion of leg-spinner Astle is still up for debate.
If New Zealand opt to tweak their XI, introducing George Worker ahead of Colin Munro and swapping Ferguson for Matt Henry might be the way forward.
Saxton Oval boasts an impressive record for New Zealand: four wins from six ODIs here, with victories evenly split whether batting or bowling first. Interestingly, three neutral ODIs were won by teams batting second, signalling it’s a fair chase-friendly ground.
Pakistan’s Challenge
Pakistan will be fired up to turn around their fortunes and not let Boult and Southee dominate like last week.
The visitors will face Saxton Oval for the first time, but will draw inspiration from Sri Lanka’s win here two years ago, when strategic batting dismantled New Zealand’s pace attack.
There’s no big shake-up expected in their squad, but the middle order featuring Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, and Shoaib Malik must contribute far more than the meagre 13 runs they managed collectively in the opener.
Weather might be a factor again, with a 50% chance of rain predicted. Hence, winning the toss and electing to bat first could be a wise call.
On the bowling front, Hasan Ali will be key again. The right-arm fast bowler has slayed 36 wickets in his last 13 ODIs, and he will be hungry to add even more to that tally. Pakistan will be counting on his continued success.
Final Word: New Zealand 36/100
New Zealand looks set to notch their 10th consecutive home ODI win as Pakistan seeks to rediscover the form that won them the Champions Trophy.
