Newz vs Pakistan. New Zealand bowler Matt Henry is optimistic that his team can escape a series sweep in Pakistan by playing better in today’s (Sunday) fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) match against the top-ranked team in the world.
After a crushing 102-run victory against New Zealand in the fourth game played in Karachi, The Men in Green were promoted to the top spot in the ODI rankings by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Kiwis arrived in Pakistan without their normal captain Kane Williamson, who is expected to miss the World Cup due to a knee injury, and many other key players who are occupied with IPL franchise obligations.
Tom Latham’s squad was able to tie the previous T20 series 2-2, but the home team jumped out to an unstoppable 4-0 lead in the one-day series.
Babar Azam, the captain, scored 107 runs in the fourth One-Day International on Friday, leading Pakistan to a dominant 334-6 total at the National Stadium in Karachi.
In response, New Zealand lost by 102 runs after being all out for 232 in the 44th over.
After the defeat, Henry informed the media, “It’s a pity we truly haven’t achieved the success that we hoped to…
“Even though it’s disappointing not to have won, we’ve already learned a lot from this tour”
We still have one game left, so maybe we can put together that performance.
The tourists are hoping that their nine limited-overs matches in subcontinental conditions would help them later this year when they compete in the ODI World Cup in India.
Henry did not hesitate to acknowledge that Pakistan had performed better than his squad at home.
Our primary attention has been on this tour. The 31-year-old who has been New Zealand’s top bowler on this tour stated that they were travelling to Pakistan to test themselves and compete as best they could.
“Obviously, being down by four goals is upsetting, but there are times when you have to commend Pakistan for the way they have been playing their cricket.
They are playing in their home stadium and are undoubtedly the best team in the world right now.
“They’ve been able to really adapt to these conditions and put the squeeze on key moments,” he continued.
Pakistan will need to win the series 5-0 in order to firmly establish their position at the top. If they lose the last ODI, Australia will retake the top place, moving them down to number three.
If Pakistan wins the fourth ODI and the fifth game is called off or results in a tie, they will still be in first place.
SQUADS:-
The following players represent Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masoo
Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, and Will Young are the players for New Zealand. Tom Latham is the captain.