World Cup 2019: Players to look out for in Pakistan vs New Zealand encounter

Pakistan face New Zealand in Birmingham today

By |

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan take on New Zealand at Edgbaston for their World Cup clash today.

The match between Pakistan and New Zealand will begin at 2:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST).

Pakistan and New Zealand, have faced each other 106 times with Pakistan winning 54 times, New Zealand 48 games. Three matches between the side ended in no result while one match between the sides ended in a tie.  

Here's a look at the key players from Pakistan and New Zealand:

Haris Sohail

Haris Sohail breathes life back in Pakistan's middle-order with a fearless knock. Photo: file.

Haris Sohail who was dropped after Pakistan's game against West Indies announced himself to the squad after his impressive innings against South Africa. 

The 30-year-old left-hander scored 89 off 59 balls with the help of nine fours and three sixes.

Mohammad Amir

Pakistan´s Mohammad Amir (C) celebrates his fifth wicket during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between Australia and Pakistan. Photo: AFP
 

A key player of the Pakistan cricket team, pacer Mohammad Amir has been Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the World Cup.

With 15 wickets from five innings at an average of 14.6, New Zealand will be very of the threat posed by the 27-year-old.

Not only has he been lethal while picking wickets, Amir has also been very economical, picking 3-26 in 6 overs against West Indies, 2-67 in 10 against England, 5-30 in 10 against Australia, 3-47 in 10 against India and 2-49 in 10 against South Africa.

Kane Willamson

New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson led from the front, in their triumph against Windies. Photo: File. 

Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson's prudence and experience makes him a standout amongst cricket's most regarded captains. He is currently fifth on the list of highest run-scorers in this tournament.

With a decent average of 45.90 in 139 ODI matches, 11 hundred and 37 fifties, the Kiwi skipper is a force to be reckoned with.

Trent Boult 

New Zealand's Trent Boult celebrates taking the wicket of India's Rohit Sharma. photo: AFP.
 

The highest wicket-taker for New Zealand, Trent Boult has picked eight wickets in the tournament. 

His four against West Indies in the last match, helped New Zealand to win in a nail-biting game at Old Trafford. 

Boult has taken 145 wickets in 78 ODIs.