New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup - Williamson to steer New Zealand ship again

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 24 Jun 2019

Ralph Staniforth 24 Jun 2019

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Ul-Haq and Azam tipped to perform in Pakistan’s must win clash at Edgbaston

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Kane Williamson has scored 106 and 148 in his last two ODI innings (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Stream

Kane Williamson will be the key man for New Zealand when they take on Pakistan at Edgbaston in their 2019 Cricket World Cup match.

I am tipping Williamson to score 50+ runs. Babar Azam and Imam-Ul-Haq are both backed to score over 33.5 runs at 1.90 in the batsman match runs market.

New Zealand Form & Team News

New Zealand have yet to taste defeat at the World Cup, but with very tight victories over Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa they have had their fair share of luck.

Kane Williamson has carried the team in terms of batting with 106 and 148 runs in his last two outings. With Williamson in top form I am backing him to score 50+ runs at 2.10.

The Black Caps were centimeters away from defeat to the West Indies in their last match. Kane Williamson led them to a 291 runs on a good batting wicket. In response the West Indies got close but fell agonizingly short by five runs.

New Zealand are odds on favourite to claim victory at 1.61, but I think there is more value in sticking with Kane Williamson to score a half century.

Pakistan Form & Team News

Pakistan kept their hopes of qualifying for the semi finals alive with an impressive 49 run victory over South Africa. Imam-Ul-Haq got them off to a good start by scoring 44 runs before Babar Azam played a solid innings of 69.

A total of 308 was par for the pitch but a magnificent opening bowling spell by Mohammad Amir put South Africa on the back foot, something they never really recovered from.

babar azam batting — Babar Azam is tipped to continue his good run of form by scoring over 33.5 runs against New Zealand (Getty Images)

Pakistan are paying 2.30 for a win against an unbeaten New Zealand side, but due to their inconsistency my preference falls on the over/under runs scored market.

The form of Babar Azam and Imam-Ul-Haq will be pleasing for head coach Mickey Arthur. They have both exceeded the 33.5 run mark in three of their last four innings and I feel they are worth backing to do so again at 1.90.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Head to Head

New Zealand have been completely dominant in recent years over Pakistan with a 12-2 win/loss record over the last 14 completed ODI’s.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Live Stream

Live streaming the New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup match on bet365 is a useful way of keeping up with all the action on your iPhone, iPad, Android device or computer. Please see terms and conditions at bet365.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Match Up

Kane Williamson has almost single-handedly kept the New Zealand batting together. The Black Caps will be hoping they can find another batsman to contribute significantly before the semi finals arrive.

Pakistan are on their normal roller coaster of inconsistencies, however Mohammad Amir has been very impressive with ball in hand. He is level as the leading wicket-taker at the World Cup.

Iman-Ul-Haq — Imam-Ul-Haq has been the rock at the top of the Pakistan inning during the 2019 Cricket World Cup (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Pakistan Key Statistics

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson has scored 40, 76, 106 and 148 runs in his last 4 ODI innings.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam has scored over 33.5 runs in 3 of his last 4 ODI innings.
Pakistan’s Imam-Ul-Haq has scored over 33.5 runs in 3 of his last 4 ODI innings.

Verdict

Kane Williamson is in the form of his life and I’m tipping him to produce a 50+ score at 2.10.

Imam- Ul-Haq scored 44 runs in his last outing and I am backing him to score over 33.5 runs for the fourth time in five matches. Babar Azam also offers good value at 1.90 to go over the 33.5 run mark.

Best Bet: Kane Williamson Over 50+ Runs @ 2.10 at bet365 – 4 Units

Over/Under Runs Tip: Babar Azam Over 33.5 Runs @ 1.90 at bet365 – 3 Units

Over/Under Runs Tip: Imam-Ul-Haq Over 33.5 Runs @ 1.90 at bet365 – 3 Units