Pakistan eye comeback in second ODI against Kiwis

Pakistan will look forward to level the series when they will face New Zealand in the second One Day International (ODI) at Sexton Oval on Tuesday.

Pakistan suffered 61 runs defeat in rain-hit game on January 6 and now the men in green will be eyeing to make comeback in the five-match series.

Apart from Fakhar’s 82 runs knock, Pakistan batting line didn’t perform well. Two wrong decisions against Babar Azam and Sarfraz Ahmed also cost Pakistan.

Until the previous game, Pakistan enjoyed a nine-game winning ODI streak stretching all the way back to the Champions Trophy last June.

Check out Pakistan’s latest kit for NZ tour

It wasn't entirely surprising, however, New Zealand at home pose a very unique challenge and have been one of the form sides off late. But the loss in the opening game brought Pakistan back down and it is crucial that they respond as soon as they can. The Saxton Oval on Tuesday would do just fine.

New Zealand are bursting with confidence, their powerful bowling unit and explosive batsmen looking to capitalise on the run of good form. Everything looks to be going according to plan, as the captain is in form, the openers have clicked, the middle order has done its job and the fast bowlers have hit the deck exceptionally well.

At the same time, New Zealand will be cerebral enough to appreciate the unpredictability of their visitors and look to guard against complacency on their part.

New Zealand are expected to field an unchanged side. Pakistan, too, are expected to field the same eleven.

New Zealand (probable): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Pakistan (probable): Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt/wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees