by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Pakistan and New Zealand are all set to face each other tomorrow in Bengaluru. The match holds a crucial significance for both sides, as the points earned will determine the probable semi-finalists of the tournament.
The home team, India, has already become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals. On the other hand, South Africa seems virtually assured of a place in the playoffs. This leaves Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and New Zealand competing for the remaining two spots.
However, New Zealand is currently going through a tough phase in the tournament. After winning their first four games, they have lost three successive matches. Furthermore, several injuries have plagued the Black Caps camp, with Matt Henry and James Neesham getting injured in the latest game.
Nonetheless, amid the challenges, New Zealand’s middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell has expressed his confidence in the team’s ability “to do a job” against Pakistan on Saturday. Mitchell further emphasized that the team understands their responsibilities and will support each other despite the injuries.
“We back everyone within our squad to have success and do a job for the team. “We’re all pretty clear on the roles that we’re going to play if given the opportunities and yeah, we’ll just go out there get stuck in as Kiwis do and hope we come around the right side.”
Mitchell described Pakistan as a strong team, highlighting that they have played eight one-day internationals against them this year.
“They’re world-class and have been for a long time,”
