New Zealand will take on Pakistan in a virtual quarter-final clash on Saturday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Kiwis’ chance of reaching the semi-final have drastically taken a dip with three consecutive losses, worse they are also battling with injury as five of their players are sidelined due to injury. To rub salt into the wounds, New Zealand will also hope the rain stays clear in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Weather in Bengaluru is known to be fickle as rain suddenly pours, and also tends to stop in about half an hour. However, the Kiwis would be praying that there should not be any stoppages due to rain. New Zealand are currently placed fourth on the points table, with eight points. They have to win both matches to harbor hopes of qualifying for the semis.
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In such circumstances, New Zealand would be hoping rain does not play any spoilsport. Also, apart from rain, New Zealand would be keeping a close tab on players who have been injured. During the match against South Africa, Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham suffered a blow on their right hamstring and right writs respectively.
NZ vs PAK: New Zealand battle injuries, and weather against quarter-final clash versus Pakistan
An MRI scan of Henry will be conducted today, and a call regarding his fitness will be taken on New Zealand’s match against Pakistan.
Speaking about skipper Kane Williamson, the right-hand batter is still recovering from the injury. However, in positive news, Williamson is expected to be fit for the clash against Pakistan.