Updated on
Summary In Group A of ICC World Cup 2011, today Pakistan will play its fourth match of the tournament against New Zealand. So far, the green shirts seem to be on a stronger side as compared to the Kiwis.
Pakistan will play its match against New Zealand today at Pallekele Stadium which will begin at 2 pm(PST). Pakistan lost their first World Cup match against New Zealand in 1983 but they won the next six. Kiwis have explosive hitters, theoretically bat extremely deep, and have an abundance of bowling options, fast and slow. Their fielding, as ever, is among the best. Their problems are a combination of form, poor technique, and impatience that led to several batsmen chasing and edging wide deliveries against Australia. Its the batting that needs fixing first, for without runs on the subcontinent there is little hope, and theyll have to do it against one of the tournaments most in-form bowling attacks.The odds on Pakistan being the only team with a 100% win record halfway into the league stage would have been rather high at the start of the World Cup. Their middle order has largely been solid, and the one time it failed - against Canada - their bowlers raised their game to meet the challenge. They have met and beaten New Zealand in a one-day series preceding the World Cup. Play to potential and Pakistan will expect to dispatch them again today.On a whole, both the teams have faced each other in 88 matches so far. Out of which Pakistan was victorious in 51 matches and New Zealand won 34 matches. New Zaland Captain Daniel Vettori said we have not been able to put consistent team performances together. That is pretty much where we have let ourselves down in the past. Hopefully there is some confidence from the Zimbabwe game. If we can bring the same performance in this game then its going to be huge for us in the tournament.
