Summary Pakistan will face New Zealand in the second one-day international today in Napier.
NAPIER (Agencies) - The second and final ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played today (Tuesday) in Napier. This is the last chance for both teams to settle into the groove before the 2015 ICC World Cup.
For Pakistan, this match assumes greater importance after their loss in Wellington. They were rusty in all departments and with the World Cup just 12 days away, Pakistan will be desperate to shake of the rust and win the second ODI in order to build confidence.
For New Zealand, everything is clicking into place. Skipper Brendon McCullum is happy with the way the team is shaping up before the World Cup. Both the batting and bowling is performing consistently and the bench strength is strong. A win in Napier will give them the ideal boost just before the tournament.
At Wellington, in the first ODI, Pakistan were completely outplayed. Their top order had no answer of the pace and movement of the Kiwi bowlers. If they want to put up a fight at Napier, batsmen like Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq need to take more responsibility and craft a solid foundation. Based on which, Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal can give finishing touches to the innings.
On those conditions playing out the initial overs with minimum damage is very important. Pakistan bowling also looked bit rusty. The bowlers need to address this issue as well.
New Zealand on the other hand are doing most things right. They just need to continue their good work. For this crucial encounter, the rested trio of the last game Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson and Mitchell McClenaghan are likely to come back into the playing eleven.
This game will provide one last genuine opportunity to both New Zealand and Pakistan to give finishing touches to their World Cup preparations.
