New Zealand's must-win game after three losses and poor bowling performance   

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Devon Conway has odds of 4.01 to be the best batsman for New Zealand.  
• Babar Azam has odds of 3.35 to be Pakistan's best batsman. 
• Trent Boult has odds of 3.89 to be New Zealand's best bowler.  
• Shaheen Afridi has odds of 3.57 to be the best bowler for Pakistan.  

MATCH PREVIEW     

It is the most exciting phase of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the 35th game as both teams look to win this and keep hopes alive for a berth in the next round. New Zealand has lost the last three games and suffered an embarrassing defeat against South Africa in the previous game. The odds have dropped for the side, and they need to win here to reach the semifinal. Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the last game to keep their hopes alive. They need a big win in this game to improve their net run rate. It is a high-stakes battle for both teams, and we expect an exciting contest.  

New Zealand Preview      

Tom Latham's side has dropped on the pecking order in cricket betting sites. It was a poor show from the team against South Africa, as they went down by 190 runs. From four wins in a row, the side has lost in the last three games. They must win here to keep hopes alive for a berth in the next round, with Pakistanis breathing down their neck. The bowling attack has taken a beating in the last two games, and Latham will expect a better show from his side.   

The side will need a good start from Devon Conway and Will Young, and they will look to unsettle the Pakistani attack. Rachin Ravindra has been in good form and will look to add runs with Daryl Mitchell and Latham in the middle order. Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and James Neesham can hit the ball hard, and the side will need a good show from the trio.   

The bowling attack has been in bad shape in the last two games and needs a strong comeback. Trent Boult has done well and must strike early with Matt Henry in this game. Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner have a lot of experience and will look to trouble the Pakistani middle and lower middle order, which has struggled. Phillips, Neesham, and Rachin Ravindra add variety to this attack.   

Expected Starting XI for New Zealand     

Tom Latham (c & wk), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson 

Pakistan Preview     

Babar Azam's side ended their four-match losing streak to beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the last game. This win and New Zealand's loss to South Africa have reignited hopes for the 1992 champions to reach the semis. Their odds have suddenly risen, and Azam would like to use this opportunity. A win here can put them in a good position for the knockouts, and the Pakistanis would look to make the most out of it.  

Fakhar Zaman played a match-winning on his return to the team, and he will look to deliver a good start with Abdullah Shafique. Babar Azam has batted well, and the side would like to see him anchor the middle order with Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel. Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, and Shaheen Afridi would look to do well in the lower middle order and take the side to a good total.  

The bowling attack delivered the goods in the previous game. Shaheen Afridi and Iftikhar Ahmed would take inspiration from it and hunt for early wickets in this game. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr will look to continue with their form from the last game and trouble the Kiwis. Usama Mir has leaked runs, and the side will expect better spells from him in this game.  

Expected Starting XI for Pakistan     

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf 

TOSS: To Bat First      

It is one of the best batting wickets in India, and we have seen a lot of runs on this wicket. Chasing the score is never easy at this venue, as the wicket does a lot in the second innings. The side that wins the toss shall look to take advantage of the wicket by batting first in this game.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The skies will be clear over Bengaluru. It is a flat deck where the ball shall come to the bat nicely. There is something for the spinners on this surface, but fast bowlers won't have it easy on this track. The side batting first shall need more than 300 runs on this track to feel safe.      

OUR PREDICTION      

The Pakistani batting line-up has been inconsistent. The lower middle order has failed the side, and the bowling attack looks out of shape. The side has to put runs on the board and bowl well to win this game. New Zealand will look to get their campaign back on track after three losses. However, the side has depth in the batting line-up and more variety in the bowling attack. It will be a close game, but New Zealand has an edge according to our ICC World Cup betting guide.  

Our Prediction is for New Zealand to win.