Pakistan win toss and elect to bowl first against New Zealand in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Pakistan has won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in Bengaluru today. 

With the race to top-four getting more and more intense with every passing day, fourth-placed New Zealand take on Pakistan, who are sixth, in ODI 35 of the ongoing 2023 World Cup in Bengaluru on Saturday. New Zealand have four wins and three defeats, the latest being a massive 190-run loss against South Africa, which has put their serious doubts over their capabilities. On the other hand, Pakistan revived their campaign with a much-needed seven-wicket victory against already-eliminated Bangladesh. The result saw Pakistan take their points tally to six.

A defeat against New Zealand will put an end to Pakistan's semifinal hopes in India. Meanwhile, a win will see them maintain their chances of making it to the knockouts, but they will need to win their other match too and hope other results go in their favour.

A lot of focus could be on Kyle Jamieson, who has been roped in to replace the injured Matt Henry. Jamieson has already spent some time in India with the squad as training cover and he arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday, practicing on the eve of the contest. Although, he could have to wait for a match though as Lockie Ferguson has pulled up fit, and seems set to walk back into the playing XI. 

Captain



Kane Williamson also had a long session in the nets and is expected to return to the playing XI, in which case we could see Will Young go to the bench.

For Pakistan, leggie Abrar Ahmed was seen in the nets as focus remains on Shadab Khan, who suffered his third concussion in 14 months. He could be seen doing some light drills. Pakistan hasn't come to an official decision yet. Speaking ahead of the match, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur said, "Shadab [Khan] went through a preliminary test today, which you've got to do as per medical protocol. He came through that OK, but we're in no position yet to make a decision on him. Concussion is a really important injury, and we've got to be 100% sure before we make a decision. No decision has been made on him at the minute."