by meninblue » Tue Jan 09, 2018 3:26 pm
Pakistan have given slightly better performance than WI gave in NZ recently. Still they are 0-2 behing with 3 ODI's left.
NZ are now the favorites to win this series. Pakistan would like to win one or two ODI's at least. But they have problems to many in their playing 11.
The presence of Azhar Ali, Hafeez and Shoaib in the same line up is hampering their performances in ODI. Sarfraz their captain is also not contributing with the bat. There are too many non contributors. Fakhar Zaman their most aggressive batsman is lineup needs to be fit for next ODI. Without him they are just left with Babar Azam who too has been out of form in both matches played so far.The bowling remains Pak's strength and their bowlers can be more relied upon than their batsmen.
Kiwis on the other hand are doing well. Guptill has striked form, Munro and Taylor carry their form from WI series into this , Kane has striked form with a 100. Nicholls has been consistent against WI as well as Pak. With Southee picking wickets upfront in first spells, which was something being missed in his recent past, there are now two wicket taking opening bowlers. Lockie has a very good pace and on his day he has picked his share of wickets in couple of matches as well. Todd Astle has been a welcome addition to the Kiwi bowling alongside Santner. I think the advantage Todd gives is that he can beat the other edge of the bat as well.
CDG has been named as part of squad for remaining 3 ODI's. Kiwis squad will be more strengthened.
Test FL's - 8 , ODI and Tests Combo FL's - 1, ODI World Cup - 1, ODI FL's - 7, ODI and T20i combo FL's - 1 ,
T20 Franchisee FL's - 7, T20i Cup FL's- 1, T20 FL's- 5 , 50 Overs Domestic FL's - 1, 40 Overs Domestic FL's- 1