Pakistan and New Zealand have played their three T20s and now they get ready to embark on three ODIs over the next few days with the first of those coming in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Pakistan whitewashed the Kiwis in the T20s and will look to continue their dominance here.
There is this series at stake over the remainder of this week but there is also a World Cup to begin or continue to prepare for so as ever at this stage of the four-year cycle we should get three competitive matches however they pan out.
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Pakistan
While Pakistan are the dominant side in the T20 format at present, their ODI form leaves plenty to be desired even though they are the current Champions Trophy holders. Their record either side of that tournament win, especially against the more established nations, leaves plenty to be desired and they flopped in the Asia Cup earlier in the year so they have plenty to prove in this one.
One of the reasons for their struggles in this format of the game is that their bowlers in the middle overs are more suited to the four overs of variation of a T20 than a 10 over spell of an ODI. The lack of genuine top notch power to take totals above and beyond the norm is another thing that has been holding them back but if they get into the opposing batting with the new ball they can be dangerous.
New Zealand
I would imagine New Zealand will have been very disappointed with how the T20 series ended up panning out but they are probably at their strongest in this format now I would suggest and that should perk them up a bit. In fairness they were competitive in the T20s but they couldn’t avoid losing clusters of wickets and when you do that in this part of the world you are usually toast.
New Zealand are usually more than competitive with the ball in ODI cricket with arguably the best new ball pairing in the game with the white ball. Where I’m sometimes unsure about them is in their lower order with the bat. They often utilise a lot of all-rounders which is fine in terms of options but that can go against them if they need a truly top class innings.
Team News
Pakistan will need to decide on the make up of their attack. We didn’t see Junaid Khan in the T20s but he should return for these matches. Imad Wasim is set to retain his place in the side with Imad-ul-Haq coming into the top order.
New Zealand have Trent Boult back in their squad for these matches but they will be without Corey Anderson who has gone home having been ruled out. Tom Latham comes in while Ish Sodhi is expected to get the lead spin role. Lockie Ferguson could also play.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium
There have been 42 previous ODIs held on this ground but Pakistan’s record in them is mixed to say the least. They have won 17 and lost 17 which is quite a surprise given that conditions should in theory suit them quite nicely. New Zealand have a great record here. They have played here five times and they have won four of those.
This is not the highest scoring ground of all time it must be said. In those 42 matches only three 300+ scores have been made so you get the feeling whoever maintains the pressure for longest with the ball will go on to win this match.
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Betting
I’m tempted to back New Zealand in this match but I am a little wary about the dew doing them a mischief so all in all I will leave them alone and focus on the side markets for a bet where I’m all about one man who arrives into this match in fantastic form.
Babar Azam made 50 or more in four of the six recent T20s Pakistan have played so he will be seeing the ball like a beach ball at the minute. His ODI record is incredible too. He averages over 50 in his ODI career and that is even better in the seven ODIs he has played in this stadium. He averages 63.50 in that time with two centuries and two 60s in just seven knocks. Form is good and the venue suits him so I’ve got to think he will cover 33.5 runs.
Tips
Back B.Azam – Over 33.5 runs for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Coral
Back him here:
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