New Zealand after registering a thumping victory over Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the second match of Group D of the ICC T20 World
Cup. Kiwis going into the match will know that things will be a lot different as they will face the side which has been the most consistent in the previous three editions of the tournament.
Pakistan are one of the favorites to lift the trophy and have been in tremendous T20 form of late. This will be the first match for Pakistan and they will be looking to win the match as a defeat can put a lot of pressure on them against Bangladesh.
Pakistan were the finalists in the inaugural edition in South Africa, they bettered their record as they went on to win the title in England, they were the semifinalist in the last edition in West Indies, so going by the history and the power they possess Pakistan will walk into the match as favorites.
Let’s have a look at some of the players who can make the difference in the match.
Pakistan:
Kamran Akmal: He is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the Pakistani line-up. Akmal likes lifting the bowlers over the top and is equally
effective against both fast bowling and spinners. He played a match winning innings against the Indians in the warm-up game and his
captain will be expecting him to replicate his performance.
Mohammed Hafeez: The captain will lead the charge for Pakistan. Hafeez is a very intelligent cricketer and has the ability to play according
to the situation. He had some good outing against Australia in the recently concluded T20 series. Hafeez is very dangerous with the ball
and is one of the most economical bowlers going around.
Saeed Ajmal: He is probably the most dangerous bowler in this tournament. Ajmal had a tremendous year in all the three formats and he is a genuine match winner. He is very aggressive being a spinner and loves bowling in crunch situations. Kiwis will have to play him intelligently if they want to beat Pakistan.
Umar Gul: He is another bowler who can change the course of the match in a matter of few deliveries. Gul bowls at a decent pace and is very
unpredictable with his lengths. He can bowl very well in the death overs.
New Zealand:
Brendon McCullum: He is in tremendous form and is winning New Zealand matches single-handedly. Against Bangladesh made a tremendous hundred and became the only batsmen to have two T20 international hundreds. He uses his feet brilliantly and a lot will depend on him in this match.
Ross Taylor: The skipper will have crucial role to play in the match. The conditions have aided the slower bowlers a lot and he is one of
the best batsmen in the side who can counter spin very well. In the last match Taylor was focused to give McCullum as much strike as
possible, but in this match Taylor will have to take the centre-stage against the Pakistani spinners.
Daniel Vettori: The most experienced player in the side, Daniel Vettori will have to bring all his experience into play today. He has struggled in the last two matches, but he is a class performer and one cannot keep him away from action for long.He is one of the most economical bowlers of the world and he hardly bowls any loose deliveries.
Tim Southee: Southee has been New Zealand’s best bowler in the recent times. Against Bangladesh he picked up three wickets without giving
anything away. Southee will know that he will have to be at his best against the Pakistani big hitters.
By Indian Sports News Network
