Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, (PAK vs NZ, 4th ODI)

Date: May 5, 2023 – 4:00 PM IST

Venue: National Stadium, Karachi 

The hosts Pakistan have secured the series with an unassailable lead of 3-0 with two games to go. The fourth ODI is scheduled to be played at National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, May 5. With the series already lost, the visitors will be hoping to get a consultation win.

The third ODI of the series saw Pakistan come out victorious by 26 runs. They lost in-form Fakhar Zaman in the ninth over before Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam took control. The pair added 108 runs for the second wicket in 20.1 overs. 

Babar made 54 off 62 balls before Matt Henry knocked him over with a beauty. Imam went on to score 90 in 107 balls but missed his century, chopping on. Pakistan didn’t get the finish they wanted but Shadab Khan struck a 10-ball 21 to push the total to 287.

Will Young and Tom Blundell got the Kiwis off to a good start with 83 runs in 15.3 overs. Agha Salman provided the breakthrough with a brilliant direct hit to remove Young. Blundell was also run out on 65 off 78 balls. The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were 196 for 6. 

Cole McConchie gave a tough fight to the hosts, smashing an unbeaten 64 off just 45 balls. However, the debutant didn’t get much support from the tail and ran out of partners. 

Earlier in the series, Pakistan chased down 289 in the first game, with five wickets to spare on the back of Fakhar Zaman’s century. Zaman then smashed an unbeaten 180 in the second ODI as the hosts chased down 337.

Pitch Report and Weather Forecast for PAK vs NZ, 4th ODI

The National Stadium in Karachi provides pretty competitive pitches. There are plenty of runs on offer while the pacers also get assistance because of the abrasive nature of the pitches. The venue has hosted four ODIs this year, with the average first innings score of 270.

The Karachi weather is expected to be sunny and breezy on Friday afternoon while it should be clear in the evening as well. The temperature wopp hover between 27-32 degrees.

Pakistan – Expected XI and Team News 

Pakistan brought in Abdullah Shafique in the previous game with Shan Masood missing out. Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to the playing XI while Haris Rauf was rested. Shadab Khan, who was rested for the second game, also played the third ODI. Naseem Shah could be given rest for this fixture.

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

New Zealand – Expected XI and Team News 

The Black Caps opted to open with Will Young and Tom Blundell in the last game. Jimmy Neesham and Rachin Ravindra were left out with Cole McConchie and Henry Nicholls getting opportunities. The pace bowling attack comprises Matt Henry, Adam Milne and Henry Shipley.

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

Head to Head record of PAK vs NZ 

Total Encounters – 113

New Zealand won – 50

Pakistan won – 59

Tie – 1 

No result – 3

Pakistan lead the last five encounters by 3-2.

Best Captaincy Picks for the PAK vs NZ match 

Fakhar Zaman: Batter, Pakistan 

Fakhar Zaman fell early in the last game but has smashed 117 and 180* in the first two ODIs. The left hand batter has a terrific record in ODI cricket, with 3101 runs at an average of 49 while striking at 94. Fakhar has 10 centuries and 15 half centuries in this format. He remains a top C/VC option here.

Haris Rauf: Bowler, Pakistan 

Haris Rauf was rested in the previous game but is expected to play here. He claimed a four-wicket haul in the second game. The right arm pacer has good numbers in the fifty-over format, with 36 wickets from 20 matches at a strike rate of 28.6. Rauf can be a great C/VC option in this game. 

Babar Azam: Batter, Pakistan  

Babar Azam has done a pretty good job in the ongoing series, scoring 49, 65 and 54 in three innings. He is one of the best players in ODI cricket, amassing 4981 runs at an average of 59. Babar has registered 17 hundreds and 26 fifties in this format.  He remains a top captaincy candidate for this match.

Top Differential Picks 

Tom Blundell: Wicketkeeper, New Zealand  

Tom Blundell opened the innings in the third ODI and grabbed his chance with a solid 65 off 78 balls. He has been in pretty good form across formats. Picked by 34% of the MPL teams, Blundell can be a great differential. 

Cole McConchie: All-rounder, New Zealand  

Cole McConchie was outstanding on his debut, picking 1 for 46 off his 10 overs and then hitting 64 not-out in just 45 deliveries. He is selected by only 35% of the MPL teams and can be a good differential.

MPL Fantasy XI 

Where and what time to watch the match live in India 

Sony Sports Network has the rights of the broadcast of New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan in India. You can also catch all the live action on the online streaming platform Sony LIV. 

Note: The players recommended here need not be a part of the Playing 11 on game day. Users are advised to do their own research also and follow official sources and create their teams.