NEW DELHI: An injury-tormented New Zealand, further weakened by the exit of Matt Henry, seek resurgence while Pakistan need a continuation of their recent resurrection, and that subtext of desperation could turn their crucial World Cup match into a classic in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The fortunes of New Zealand and Pakistan went through sharp curves after a bright beginning, leaving them in a tight spot in the race to the semifinals of the quadrennial big bash.
The Kiwis started the tournament with four wins on the bounce, and it looked a matter of time before they sealed a last four berth. Since that point, they have fallen to three defeats in a row against India, Australia and South Africa, and are now stranded at eight points from seven matches.
On the other side, Pakistan are in an even dingier space with six points from seven matches, and they need to win mandatorily against New Zealand and England.
Apart from the dwindling on-field returns, New Zealand will also have to deal with a tall obstacle ahead of their clash with Pakistan – a growing injury list that has five names in it already.
Henry, who had taken 11 wickets from seven matches, hurt his right hamstring against South Africa and the pacer has now been ruled out of the match against Pakistan, forcing the Kiwis to replace him with strapping fast bowler Kyle Jamieson.
James Neesham had suffered a hit on his wrist in the match against the Proteas and the Kiwis will keep a close eye on his recovery. Other than the duo, Kane Williamson (thumb) and Mark Chapman (calf) are also in various stages of their recuperation process.
However, both Williamson and Neesham participated actively in the nets on this day here, giving a small indication of their readiness to take the field if it comes to that.
Here's all you need to know about the New Zealand vs Pakistan match on Saturday, November 4:
When will New Zealand vs Pakistan be played?
The New Zealand vs Pakistan match will be played on Saturday (November 4)
What time will the New Zealand vs Pakistan match begin?
The New Zealand vs Pakistan match will begin at 10:30 AM (IST). The toss will happen at 10:00 AM (IST).
Where will New Zealand vs Pakistan match be played?
The New Zealand vs Pakistan match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
How to watch live coverage of the New Zealand vs Pakistan match?
The New Zealand vs Pakistan match will be live telecast on Star Sports network.
Where can you follow live updates and highlights for the New Zealand vs Pakistan match online?
You can follow ball-by-ball commentary, live updates and all highlights of the New Zealand vs Pakistan match on timesofindia.com/sports.
Pakistan probable XI: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf
New Zealand probable XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult
