COMMENT – It was indeed a deplorable batting performance from Pakistan in the first ODI against New Zealand. On a pitch with bounce and offering movement, Pakistani batsmen looked perplexed and were bundled out for just 124 in just 37.3 overs a target which the hosts raced to in the 18th over.
After a more than reasonable batting effort in Tests, this poor show in the first game was pretty bad from Pakistan side.
Now for today’s game in Queenstown Pakistan batsmen need to lift their game big time. The footwork and the shot selection needs to be sorted out. The seniors like Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Shahid Afridi need to stand up for their team and lead the way with the juniors also playing their part. Pakistan has been in decent ODI form coming into this series and they need to continue with that and believe in themselves.
New Zealand will have their confidence high after ending their 11 match ODI losing streak especially with a nine wicket win. As part of their rotation policy, hosts have brought in Jamie How in place of Nathan McCullum. This will mean that they will be a bowler short and the likes of Scott Styris will have to bowl more – something where Pakistani batsmen can capitalise.
It will be interesting to see how the young New Zealand pacers Tim Southee and Hamish Bennett perform after their good showing in Wellington. Pakistanis are expected to comeback strongly given the experience in their side. If the batsmen do the job for the visitors, a good game can be expected albeit a low scoring affair given the average ODI score of 173 at Queenstown.
Players to look out for Misbah-ul-Haq has been batting well throughout the tour. He was the only batsman to play with authority in the first ODI for visitors. For today’s game Pakistan will once again rely heavily on Misbah given his experience and good form. Brendon McCullum is a dynamite whom Black Caps have strangely shunted down the order. Still the pocket dynamo can be explosive at any position. He also snared five catches behind the stumps in game one making him an all round proposition to deal with caution for opposition.
Head to head & Conditions
Queenstown Events Centre is a picturesque ground where winning the toss and bowling first is the way forward. Out of the six games played at the venue, hosts have won five and all of the six games have been won by the sides batting second. Showers are expected here today so a reduced over game can be in offing.
