Pakistan vs New Zealand Match 1 Betting Tips – New Zealand Could Upset Hosts In Crucial Opener

• Pakistan vs New Zealand Match 1
• Pakistan Form
• Pakistan Team News
• New Zealand Form
• New Zealand Team News

Pakistan vs New Zealand Match 1

New Zealand warmed up with aplomb as they claimed the tri-series trophy in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. New Zealand were unbeaten in that tournament, beating Pakistan twice including the final and South Africa, to stamp their authority as a team that cannot be taken lightly going into another ICC title.

The first match holds so much context already considering the short nature of the Champions Trophy. With India and Bangladesh in this group, every match will hold significance, particularly this one with both teams vying for a spot in the semi-final.

If India go through, which is likely considering their prowess and firepower, then there will be only one spot remaining for the semis. This match could decide that.

Pakistan will be keen to put a poor tri-series behind them. They were comfortably beaten by New Zealand twice and nearly lost to South Africa in a high-scoring thriller. Hosting at home, the pressure will be on Pakistan to perform, which has historically not worked well for them.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan would want to plug their gaps (of which there are many) before the Champions Trophy. Apart from Shaheen Afridi, the bowling is missing its usual firepower and incision. While Pakistan’s batting has struggled at times, their bowling has always stood up as a department that frequently delivers.

There are also some problems with the rate of their scoring in the middle overs. In the new age of cricket, there is a sense that Pakistan have not quite become attuned to that. In a global tournament, that could be another department that Pakistan would want urgent addressal.

Mohammad Rizwan found form in the series at home, with a hundred and a 46 in the final. He was well supported by Salman Agha who also scored a century against South Africa and 45 off 65 in the final. Babar Azam’s form may be of concern but you will find that a quality batter like him is only one performance away from his return to form.

Pakistan Team News

Pakistan are likely to stick with Fakhar Zaman and Babar as their openers for this tournament. Shaheen Afridi will be the key bowler for Pakistan along with Naseem Shah and legspinner Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand are coming into this trophy on the back of some terrific form. In the ODI format, they have won five of their last six games, including a series win at home against Sri Lanka. This is a well-oiled unit that performs in most conditions as was evident from their win in the tri-series.

Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner offer New Zealand plenty with the ball from a spin-bowling standpoint while Matt Henry will be a key cog with his pace and swing.

Another bright spot for New Zealand will be the form of their batters. Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell all found runs and momentum in the tri-series in Pakistan, which will certainly hold them in good stead going forward as this tournament progresses.

New Zealand Team News

From the final, Matt Henry should slot right back in for the Champions Trophy opener. On the slow pitches of Karachi, New Zealand will likely stick with their fingerspinning allrounders of Bracewell, Santner and Phillips. All of them add plenty with the bat in the middle order too.