Pakistan take on New Zealand in does-matter series in last lap of ODI WC preparations

“It doesn’t matter because New Zealand are missing most of their first-choice players, and Pakistan have all of theirs available; so go out, have fun and take risks – the T20 World Cup is 18 months away, the scoreline is immaterial,” Pakistan cricket fans said.

After Mark Chapman’s heroics earlier in the week, New Zealand came back from a 2-0 deficit to get one hand on the trophy, and Pakistan are learning that nothing in their cricket “doesn’t matter”. The inquest’s media and fan criticism wasn’t harsh. After all, a team that played the T20 World Cup final five months earlier follows up a series loss to Afghanistan with a split series against New Zealand, who offloaded most of their finest players in India en route Pakistan.

Pakistan and New Zealand have little time to worry about it or celebrate their past ten days. The five 50-over games coming up significance, providing the penultimate real-match practice before the autumn ODI World Cup. New Zealand can again test their bench strength without some of their World Cup players. With Kane Williamson a high-profile uncertainty for that tournament, finding someone who can somewhat appropriately fill those large boots might be priority number one.

Pakistan frets over ODI timing.

Pakistan merely wants more ODI cricket against a good team. Babar Azam’s team has played 23 ODIs since the last World Cup, down from 82. Pakistan last played 25 ODIs between World Cups in 1979-1983. ODI cricket’s gradual decline may have hurt Pakistan’s scheduling more than the COVID-19 pandemic’s postponements and cancellations. They’ve played six games against Netherlands and Zimbabwe, three against West Indies in Multan, and three against a second-string England team. However, Pakistan’s ODI team has more role clarity and consistency than any other. They won a home series against the No. 1 rated Australia a little over a year ago, with a top three that could match any in international cricket, and incredible pace-bowling depth. Shadab Khan and Usama Mir provide quality legspin, and Mohammad Nawaz’s value as a lower-order batter has grown. Three months ago, they were one win from topping the ODI standings, but New Zealand came back to win that series 2-1.

Pakistan has lost only two World Cup series, yet difficulties continue. Pakistan relied on its top three more than any other team between the World Cups, and they are still trying to fix a weak middle order. Haris Sohail was pulled back from the cold to help, and Agha Salman may provide some stability. Pakistan hopes allrounders Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab can help Mohammad Rizwan adapt to new format.

New Zealand’s World Cup chance

New Zealand may have less pressure and expectations, but any team would want its whole roster this close to a World Cup. After all, a stronger New Zealand team won the series in Pakistan three months ago, and repeating that would soothe a team that has been dominant at home but has struggled against stronger opponents overseas. This cycle, New Zealand has won series in New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and West Indies, save for the Pakistan win. While home form, which includes two series wins against India, is impressive, it will not matter at the World Cup in India. After Pakistan’s win, New Zealand was easily defeated 3-0 in India.

New Zealand will be heartened by the T20I performance of certain reserve players against Pakistan. Nearing a World Cup, the incentive to improve and qualify will be tremendous. Chapman’s recent T20 matches didn’t show his Pakistani form, but he was immediately promoted to ODIs. That puts him in immediate contention for the World Cup, and if Chad Bowes or Rachin Ravindra, who have shown flashes of form in the T20Is, can reproduce their performances, these ODIs may offer New Zealand a lot more bench cover over the coming months.

Even if New Zealand has several players in India, they’ll want to go back in six months. Unlike the T20I series, this ODI series will be remembered.