PAK vs NZ prediction: Match win and toss – 4th ODI

 

Match prediction: Pakistan to win
Toss prediction: Pakistan to win the toss and field first

This PAK vs NZ series has already been decided ahead of this game with the hosts 3-0 up with two still to play. In fairness to New Zealand, this entire tour has been contested by their second string squad with only the likes of Daryl Mitchell and James Neesham likely to be automatic starters in their first choice XI in this format. Any trip to Pakistan is tough for any team who are not used to the local conditions and this series has proved to be too tough for New Zealand. Read on as we go into the penultimate Pakistan vs New Zealand prediction.

  • Friday, May 5th, 15:30 PST
  • National Cricket Stadium, Karachi

Pakistan vs New Zealand match preview

Pakistan

There was to be no fourth successive ODI ton, and no third ton in a row in this series, for Fakhar Zaman in the third ODI. But, as was to be expected, Pakistan had a ready-made stream of other players to step up and contribute. The win in the third game of the series was also secured without the services of Haris Rauf who was given the day off after running through New Zealand's batting line-up on numerous occasions on this tour already. Pakistan may choose to ring the changes with the series secured but more likely is they will select their best team and look to build on the momentum they have generated.

Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi

New Zealand

The series may have been lost at the earliest opportunity but it was by no means surrendered by New Zealand and there were also positives for the Black Caps in Wednesday's defeat. Cole McConchie took a wicket with the ball and then hit 64 not out on his debut and he could well have given himself an excellent chance of being selected for the 2023 World Cup in India later this year. A big performance from any player could be critical with thoughts turning towards the next tournament in these conditions. Skipper Tom Latham continued his good form in the third ODI but Daryl Mitchell's run of centuries came to an end.

Probable XI: Will Young, Chad Bowes, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, , Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry 

Pitch and expected weather conditions

There was some surprise to see two totals below 300 on Wednesday and we expect the pitch to be slightly slower again in this game. Any first innings total of 280+ could well be enough.

The only need for an umbrella will be to use it to create shade at Karachi on Friday. The temperature is expected to be in the low 30s during the opening exchanges.

Pakistan vs New Zealand prediction

Match prediction: Pakistan to win 

New Zealand have already surprised us towards the end of one series and it is not out of the question that they find another level in these final two games. However, another level for New Zealand may not be enough if Pakistan also raise their game. With Haris Rauf due back with the ball, our Pak vs NZ prediction is for another home victory.

Toss prediction: Pakistan to win the toss and field first. 

No team in any format wants to bowl with a wet ball and that could be the case in the second innings of this game with the humidity levels rising once more. Our prediction is that the skippers for both sides will want to field first in Karachi on Friday.

Man of the match prediction: Haris Rauf

An in-form Haris Rauf is a tough opponent for any batter but a refreshed and in-form ‘Wreck-it Rauf' is extremely bad news for New Zealand's batting line up in Karachi on Friday. He has had a fantastic 12 months and is our tip for the man of the match award.

Betting odds

The bookies expect Pakistan to win but have lengthened their odds to 1.44. New Zealand are at 2.75 to get their first win of this five game ODI series.

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