CHANDIGARH, India – Pakistan survived a scare on the eve of their fixture against New Zealand as both Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz were unable to bowl on Monday.
Pakistan must put the disappointment of defeat at the hands of India behind them as their Super 10 campaign continues against the unbeaten Kiwis and for a time their premier quicks’ participation was in doubt.
Wahab was struck by a ball on the shoulder in training and required a precautionary scan while Amir was rested.
Pakistan officials confirmed on Monday evening that both bowlers should be fully fit to play in Mohali.
Both teams started the tournament in fine form but Pakistan could not build on their opening victory over Bangladesh as New Zealand did with a second win on the bounce over Australia.
It leaves New Zealand firm favourites to qualify for the semi-finals and victory over the Pakistanis will ensure that.
For Pakistan they know that a win keeps them ahead of the chasing pack and would take them back level with New Zealand at the top of the group, which would be left wide open.
Both sides are anticipating a more seam friendly wicket on the often green tops in Chandigarh, which could see changes in their approach.
New Zealand have so far shone thanks to their superb spinners but still have the luxury of calling upon Trent Boult and Tim Southee if they think seamers will take charge here.
As for Pakistan, their struggles against spin and a lack of serious options of their own other than Shahid Afridi were laid painfully bare against India.
If they do indeed get a deck favouring the quicks then both teams will be licking their lips with anticipation.
WHAT THEY SAID
Mike Hesson:
You look at the surface and you make your own assessment on whether it’s what you expect it to be. Thankfully, we’ve had a lot of players over here that have played a lot of IPL. We just pick a team that we think suits the conditions and the opposition as well. It’s important we make our own assessment and judge from there.
Shahid Afridi:
I think they are playing very good cricket, especially in this format. The way they started the first game against India was amazing. I think they are well planned, well prepared and their squad is well balanced according to the situation and the pitch. Let me see the pitch and then we will decide who will play. Sometimes in Pakistan games they make [pitches] in a different way.
PREDICTION
New Zealand have been superb so far, showing an awareness of conditions and willingness to adapt that a lot of teams will be taking note of. Pakistan started superbly but will be hurt by the loss to India. With that said, their quicks should enjoy themselves here and their role will be key. If they come off, Pakistan win.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
New Zealand: Guptil, Williamson (c), Monro, Anderson, Taylor, Santner, Ronchi (wk), McClenaghan, Boult, Sodhi, Southee
Pakistan: Sharjeel, Shehzad, Akmal, Malik, Afridi (c ), Sarfraz (wk), Hafeez, Sami, Riaz, Amir, Irfan
