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New Zealand vs Pakistan | 3rd ODI | Dunedin | Jan 13, 2018 | Pre-Match Thread

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Well we pride ourselves with the "cornered tigers" tag, right? Time to prove that this team can win a match although I doubt it. 3-0 New Zealand, no problems. We could win the fourth one if NZ feel sorry for us.
 
Shafi said:
Both Azhar, Hafeez and Malim will be retained, Fakhar and Yamin may replace Imam and Raes
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Than 60% of the match is already won by New Zealand cos these players attitude will only kill the morale of the team, rest if they stay they will pile on the dots with their batting.

NZ team is not extraordinary they just implement their plans thru the tight field set. Once bashed they run out of ideas what Fakhar or Hassan did. The only way to play kiwi is to attack, getting defensive one wont survive long.

Hafeez is actually not needed in the team after the bowling ban and Shoaib Malik who they were expecting to bowl is not bowling in the middle overs. Babar Azam is selfish and meek, the rot starts from him
all the way to under pressure Sarfaraz.
Raees has been a letdown after his elbow injury he is bowling at a very low speed, but he is the only option with the new bowl against the wind. Doubt anyone else would take that role. Junaid's absence is hurting pretty bad.

This is Sarfaraz captaincy test if he has the guts to take big decisions and try to devise a plan with a new combination. Pick Nawaz and Yamin and send the lower middle order players like Fahim up in the middle order with Yamin. REmove some or all of the middle order or congratulations to NEw Zealand in advance courtesy some of our losers playing for them, Hafeez/Azam/MAlik/Azhar
 
Fakhar
Babar
Malik
Safaraz
Haris
Hafeez
Shadab
Faheem
Yamin
Hasan
Amir

Babar, Malik, Safaraz are coming to the crease with too much pressure created by early wickets. They need to be in charge of the flow of our innings from the get go. Our best four batsmen should be playing in the top 4. Players who can consistently build partnerships should be given a higher priority for international teams.

Yamin makes our bowling weaker on paper, bur rumman hasn't don't much and needs to be rested for a game or two. We need to get more lbws, need to attack the wickets more and need to bowl a skidding line and length that that hits the top of off stump, this should bring more caught behind and lbws into play. Not sure why we are bowling relying on bounce too much.

All in all I'm pretty satisfied. If we win the series from this point then great. If we get whitewashed then we will have to make changes now that will potentially help us in the world cup.

Seems like we are missing Junaid imad and Hafeez bowling. Imad and Junaid also come with the x-factor aggressive attitude that seeps through our team. Amir and Junaid hunt well in a pair as well and makes Hasan more potent.
 
I can actually see Azhar being dropped from the third ODI and I think it would be good if he did. I would like to see Imam going a bit more fearless and try to rotate more strike. Hafeez will seem to have kept his place likely until 2019 World Cup:misbah. Malik would hopefully be one where there management will take look at but will likely retain his place. Yamin could potentially come in for Rumman but that would be unlikely
 
Would be unfair to drop Imam just after the sole game. Azhar has to go. Inexcusable to get out the same way twice in a row.

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Sarfraz - time for him to take responsibility and bat where he is supposed to.
Malik
Hafeez - should be Haris but Hafeez isn't ever getting dropped.
Shadab
Faheem
Yamin/Nawaz
Hasan
Amir
 
I assume de Grandhomme (who is back in the squad for the last 3 games) will slot into the NZ playing XI, that will give them some lower-order firepower.

Need to get our act together for the remainder of the series. Hopefully Fakhar is available. Comparatively longer breaks between these games means that the players do have a chance to recuperate.
 
I'm confused with this constant bullishness by Pakistani fans actually expecting them to beat NZ in these conditions and acting surprised that they've been hammered in the first two games.

Man for man, New Zealand are a far better ODI side, with a few exceptions.

Which Pakistani batsmen are even close to Guptill, Williamson or Taylor? (all averaging mid-40s with strikerates around the mid 80s.

I know Babar Azam has made an excellent start to his ODI career, but he's only played about 30 matches.

I really think Pakistan fans have got carried away with the CT win, they're not nearly as good as their fans seem to think, and meanwhile I think NZ are better than most Pakistan fans realise.

I'm be surprised if it's not 5-0 to NZ, and they're won the last 2 games without many big hitters in the middle order, so things will get harder for Pakistan when de Grandhomme comes back in at number 7 for the next game.
 
Snatch said:
I'm confused with this constant bullishness by Pakistani fans actually expecting them to beat NZ in these conditions and acting surprised that they've been hammered in the first two games.

Man for man, New Zealand are a far better ODI side, with a few exceptions.

Which Pakistani batsmen are even close to Guptill, Williamson or Taylor? (all averaging mid-40s with strikerates around the mid 80s.

I know Babar Azam has made an excellent start to his ODI career, but he's only played about 30 matches.

I really think Pakistan fans have got carried away with the CT win, they're not nearly as good as their fans seem to think, and meanwhile I think NZ are better than most Pakistan fans realise.

I'm be surprised if it's not 5-0 to NZ, and they're won the last 2 games without many big hitters in the middle order, so things will get harder for Pakistan when de Grandhomme comes back in at number 7 for the next game.
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The only way we were going to lose here was either a great bowling effort from Pakistan or our players crumbling under pressure. We have several world class players and great role fillers who aren't world class but can get the job done. combined that's more than enough for most sides, it's superior sides such as Aus, SA, India and possibly England who will cause them a lot of trouble.
 
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My XI would be

1.Azhar/Imam
2.Fakhar
3.Babar
4.Sarfraz
5.Malik
6.Haris
7.Shadab
8.Aamer Yamin
9.Fahim
10.Hasan
11.Amir
 
Snatch said:
I'm confused with this constant bullishness by Pakistani fans actually expecting them to beat NZ in these conditions and acting surprised that they've been hammered in the first two games.

Man for man, New Zealand are a far better ODI side, with a few exceptions.

Which Pakistani batsmen are even close to Guptill, Williamson or Taylor? (all averaging mid-40s with strikerates around the mid 80s.

I know Babar Azam has made an excellent start to his ODI career, but he's only played about 30 matches.

I really think Pakistan fans have got carried away with the CT win, they're not nearly as good as their fans seem to think, and meanwhile I think NZ are better than most Pakistan fans realise.

I'm be surprised if it's not 5-0 to NZ, and they're won the last 2 games without many big hitters in the middle order, so things will get harder for Pakistan when de Grandhomme comes back in at number 7 for the next game.
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You r right brother ...every one is acting as if we have best team in the world. Its also surprising to see everyone saying if we had X instead of Y then we would have won but they don't know that this is our best squad with the exception of one or two.
 
Pakistan ODI squad received a traditonal Maori welcome at Dunedin International Airport

The children that performed on the Teams arrival at the Airport were from the Kings & Queens High Schools Kapa Haka group, “He Waka Kotuia”.


IMG-20180110-WA0006.jpgIMG-20180110-WA0010.jpgIMG-20180110-WA0008.jpgIMG-20180110-WA0009.jpgIMG-20180110-WA0007.jpg
 
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Babar (Sloting in babar at top cz he has experience of playing as opener)
Fakhar
Haris
Sarfraz
Malik/Hafeez
Fahim
Yamin
Shadab
Hasan
Amir
Raees

I think this would be the most stable lineup from current lot..
 
So far in this series.

Hafeez scored a 60 in the 2nd odi, he will score a fifty again in one of next 3 games for sure to keep his place

Same with Azhar. he will score a 50 of 80 balls in the next game for sure or atleast 2 fifties in the upcoming 3 games..

If malik doesnt get a good score in this series or just one fifty, then it is the first bad series for him since his return, playing all 5 games provided, and he can get away with it.

ok what about the rest

Babar had 0 and 10 less than malik and hafeez so far

Sarfraz also the same story with scores of 3 and 8.

Out of 5 batsmen none of them can be kicked out at the end of this series, it will end up as such.
 
The worst thing is we haven't put the NZ team under any pressure with the bat.
They are not that good and we just need a bloody start.
Babar needs to do his thing even if it is slowly because we have seen the scores (140-6 and 140-7) when he goes cheaply.
Idiots those asking him to take risks to up his SR from the get go.
There is room for one person to hold it together and given the records it has to be babar. (Not Azhar)
 
People also underestimating the impact of hafeez the bowler . Allows sarfi to juggle the pack sooooo much better
 
Mitch is not expecting any help from the pitch.

But then again, Black Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner might not need any help.

He has been bowling pretty well of late and, whatever conditions await the left-arm spinner at Dunedin's University Oval on Saturday, he will rely on flight and subtle changes in pace to keep the Pakistan batsmen under pressure.
''I've played a couple of test matches [at the University Oval] but obviously I'm yet to see what the one-day wicket is going to be like,'' he said.

''Hopefully it spins, but I don't think so.''

All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme's return from bereavement leave will create a selection dilemma for coach Mike Hesson. He was in terrific form during the test series against the West Indies last month and it will be interesting to see whether he features in the starting XI.

Santner and legspinner Todd Astle have played in the opening two ODIs against Pakistan and done well.

Santner looked in impressive form with one for 34 in New Zealand's eight-wicket in Nelson earlier this week. And Astle bowled particularly well in the opening ODI against the West Indies before Christmas.

Either would be unlucky to miss the match.

The Black Caps opted to play two spinners the last time the team was in Dunedin. But that was for a test match and the temptation to include the big-hitting de Grandhomme could prove hard to resist.

''I'm not sure [if they will play two spinners]. Obviously we will have to weigh that up during the next couple of days at training and see what the wicket is going to be like,'' Santner said.

''If it is going to spin, then maybe. But we will have to wait and see.

''Obviously [de Grandhomme] is a very good player and an asset in the one-day side. He's an all-rounder who can be quite destructive with the bat as well.

''We'll weigh up how he is going and what the pitch is going to be like. But, yeah, I'm pretty sure he will go straight back in.''

The Black Caps will not want to tinker with the line-up too much, though. The team is unbeaten at home this summer and has an opportunity to clinch the five-game ODI series against Pakistan with a win in game three this weekend.

''Ideally we would like to wrap it up here and take a 3-0 lead. But we know they are going to be strong. They are going to come out firing, so we have to keep improving on what we've been doing.

''The intensity in the field is something we are trying to work on. We are playing pretty well at the moment but we can always be that little bit better.''

While the Black Caps' confidence levels are soaring, there is also a feeling that Pakistan has more to give.

''They are a quality side. I think they had nine wins in a row before in one-day cricket and they won the Champions Trophy.

''We know they can play very well but I guess we've been on top of them a little bit of late, so hopefully we can keep that ball rolling.''

The Black Caps have picked a good venue for that. The team is undefeated in five ODI games and eight tests at the University Oval.

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/santner-wary-pakistans-quality
 
Hasan has improved miles definitely - his placing & position sense has improved lot.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan cricketers buying fruit from a stall. Hopefully more vitamins will mean more runs for Hafeez, Babar and Shoaib Malik <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/LgjYs13o9z">pic.twitter.com/LgjYs13o9z</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/951172293941776386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
We need Fakhar to play tomorrow, he just gives us some much needed urgency up the order that Pakistan so lack. He also needs support which I hope he gets from Babar and even Hafeez since he scored that fifty in the 2nd ODI. We attack them in the first 10 overs without losing a wicket, it will set a base for our batsman to pile on the runs. But then again this is a team that has Azhar, Hafeez and even Malik as the top 5.
 
Is Fakhar fit for the 3rd ODI? would be interesting if Pak win the next 2 games then it'll setup for a nerve wrecker come the 5th ODI
 
Pictures of Pakistan ODI squad practicing in Dunedin

IMG-20180111-WA0011.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0014.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0005.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0016.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0017.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0015.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0006.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0012.jpgIMG-20180111-WA0010.jpg

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Ferguson settles into Black Caps rhythm

Black Caps speed demon Lockie Ferguson has put his solid ODI form down to increased self-assurance in the international cricket environment.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a decent Kiwi summer to date, picking up five wickets in his side's ODI whitewash of the West Indies and another three in Tuesday's eight-wicket second-ODI win over Pakistan in Nelson.

He's a near-certainty to play in Saturday's third-ODI dead rubber against Pakistan, proceeding primary pacemen Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

Victory would secure an ODI series clean sweep for New Zealand.

Ferguson, who has regularly pushed 150km/h bowling speeds this summer, says he's finally feeling like an international cricketer after a nervy maiden campaign.

He hoped to kick on throughout the summer.

"Last year I came up to international cricket and there's a lot of pressures that come with that," Ferguson told reporters.

"I guess it took me a few games to get used to that.

"This year I'm more confident, having been there, having played in front of the crowds, playing with (those) pressures."

New Zealand head into Saturday's clash in Dunedin as red-hot favourites, having won their past nine consecutive games across all formats.

A tenth triumph this weekend would equal the side's longest ever winning run.

Yet Ferguson insisted the match wouldn't be so straightforward, with Pakistan keen to make up for their two losses and salvage the five-ODI series.

Three Twenty20 matches will then follow.

"The boys have taken some confidence from the last two but obviously we're not resting on our laurels and want to put in a great performance," Ferguson said.

"They're a world-beating side and they showed that in the winter of last year, and obviously have played some seriously good cricket.

"We're doing all the scouting and preparation we can."

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=262331&ref=rss
 
As Pakistan team is gearing up to face New Zealand in a must win match of the series, the Green Shirts are likely to have two changes in playing XI.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the third One Day International match of the series at the Otago Oval on Saturday after losing first two games.

As far as team is concerned, Fakhar Zaman is most likely to return to the playing XI in place of either Azhar Ali or Imam ul Haq.

Zaman sustained a contusion to his right thigh during the first ODI in Wellington while fielding. He was assessed after the match and was diagnosed with a contusion of the right thigh.

Meanwhile, Rumman Raees is also expected to be rested. Aamir Yameen and Haris Sohail are strong members to replace the pacer.

Pakistan’s expected XI: Fakhar Zaman, Azhar Ali or Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Aamir Yameen or Haris Sohail.

https://www.brecorder.com/2018/01/1...cted-to-make-two-major-changes-for-third-odi/
 
It’s time to make big changes and “think outside the box” if we want to save the series...
 
UN talkz said:
As Pakistan team is gearing up to face New Zealand in a must win match of the series, the Green Shirts are likely to have two changes in playing XI.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the third One Day International match of the series at the Otago Oval on Saturday after losing first two games.

As far as team is concerned, Fakhar Zaman is most likely to return to the playing XI in place of either Azhar Ali or Imam ul Haq.

Zaman sustained a contusion to his right thigh during the first ODI in Wellington while fielding. He was assessed after the match and was diagnosed with a contusion of the right thigh.

Meanwhile, Rumman Raees is also expected to be rested. Aamir Yameen and Haris Sohail are strong members to replace the pacer.

Pakistan’s expected XI: Fakhar Zaman, Azhar Ali or Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Aamir Yameen or Haris Sohail.

https://www.brecorder.com/2018/01/1...cted-to-make-two-major-changes-for-third-odi/
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If they replace Rumman with Sohail who will do the bowling????


And no mention of dropping Malik or Hafeez :facepalm:
 
babajee said:
It’s time to make big changes and “think outside the box” if we want to save the series...
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For example, if I was the management I would open with Fakhar and Hafeez to go after the bowling and utilise the power play. None of this “seeing off the shine” that Azhar can’t even do.
 
babajee said:
For example, if I was the management I would open with Fakhar and Hafeez to go after the bowling and utilise the power play. None of this “seeing off the shine” that Azhar can’t even do.
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Most of the shine is being seen off by his pad. Worst ODI batsman to play for us. Even YK wasn't this bad.
 
fahim. he’s a bowler by trade and he Im not sure hes really counting as a batsman if hes batting below shadab. Plus hes outbowled or matched raees standards usually.

Haris would be able to bowl too. And Malik. Fakhar a bit, Azhar if he plays. Should be enough even if not ideal. And if Fahim cant bowl 10 overs not sure he really should be in the side. We badly need to strengthen our batting so Haris really needs to come in.

Id have dropped Hafeez, Raees and Azhar and replaced them with Haris, yamin and Fakhar for now. But I feel this team needs an extra batsman especially with Sarfraz not pulling his weight with the bat lately. Would probably like to include a proper middle order bat at 6 (if sarfraz bats 7) or 7 next series.
 
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ads101 said:
fahim. he’s a bowler by trade and he Im not sure hes really counting as a batsman if hes batting below shadab. Plus hes outbowled or matched raees standards usually.

Haris would be able to bowl too. And Malik. Fakhar a bit, Azhar if he plays. Should be enough even if not ideal. And if Fahim cant bowl 10 overs not sure he really should be in the side. We badly need to strengthen our batting so Haris really needs to come in.

Id have dropped Hafeez, Raees and Azhar and replaced them with Haris, yamin and Fakhar for now. But I feel this team needs an extra batsman especially with Sarfraz not pulling his weight with the bat lately. Would probably like to include a proper middle order bat at 6 (if sarfraz bats 7) or 7 next series.
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Well Sarfaraz is pulling a lot of weight these days. :yk3





Sorry couldn't help my self
 
MenInG said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nice tourist destination but not Pakistan's favourite place to play ODIs recently. Pakistan last 7 completed ODIs in New Zealand:<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/950776884987604992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Last 7 completed ODIs in New Zealand is actually:


Lost
Won
Won
Lost
Lost
Lost
Lost
 
Sarfi looks really depressed and concerned, he should be actually. I expect some positive changes like bring in Harris/Fakhar/Yamin.

Or else another defeat is on cards. I hope Team shows up and make it a close game so far its a one sided affair.
 
Abdullah719 said:
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...eam=7;template=results;type=team;view=results

I think you might be referring to the wins over South Africa and UAE during the World Cup.

Versus NZ in NZ, it's seven losses in a row.
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I was about to correct you to say that the World Cup win over South Africa was in Australia as I always thought it was MCG. But I checked just to make sure and you're right, that was in New Zealand. Wow, I don't normally get things like this wrong yet I always, to this very day, thought that win was at the huge MCG ground. You learn something new every day.

Anyway, I don't think Pakistan should pay any attention to this stat, whoever plays better cricket on the day will win.
 
MenInG said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nice tourist destination but not Pakistan's favourite place to play ODIs recently. Pakistan last 7 completed ODIs in New Zealand:<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<br>Lost<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/950776884987604992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Abdullah719 said:
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...eam=7;template=results;type=team;view=results

I think you might be referring to the wins over South Africa and UAE during the World Cup.
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Was referring to the stat in the tweet, which includes these matches.
 
I would have Haris open the batting for us. Haris can be a big asset for us as an opener as he can handle the new ball and scores at a good clip.
 
You have left it too late if you thought you would grab some tickets for the one-day international.
Game three of the series between New Zealand and Pakistan sold out yesterday.

The capacity at the University Oval is a pinch over 4500 and every centimetre of ground will have a bottom on it.

The Black Caps have not played a one-day match in Dunedin since their three-wicket win against Scotland during the 2015 World Cup.

And with the team enjoying a wonderful run of form, tickets have been snapped up.

A spokesman for New Zealand Cricket said it was fabulous to see such great support for the team in the city.

"Obviously there is a second international against England coming up which we expect to sell out as well, so we really encourage people to get their tickets quickly,'' he said.

"The fact it has sold out before the day of the game is an indication there is a lot of passion for cricket in the region.''

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/cricket-one-dayer-sold-out-two-days-game
 
Is this match tomorrow or Saturday night for UK/Europe viewers?. Please throw the liability that is Azhar out. Would much prefer Fakhar if fit open with Hafeez.
 
Depends on the wicket. Would surely want Pak to bat first if conditions are suitable for it.
 
Hope to have a full game here. New Zealand weather is too unpredictable.
 
Pace something I work hard at, Ferguson says

Black Caps pace bowler Lockie Ferguson does not have great memories of his first visit to the University Oval.The 26-year-old made his first-class debut at the venue and it was a brutal introduction.
Otago opener Aaron Redmond used Ferguson's raw pace against him and steered the ball down to third man for a series of boundaries.

The score mounted rapidly and when Ferguson eventually removed Redmond for 72, Nick Beard came in as a nightwatchman and played a remarkable innings, scoring 188.

It was not a particularly successful outing for Ferguson but he was able to impress observers with his pace.

"I was trying to brush past that,'' Ferguson said.

"I was fresh off the club cricket scene ... and Aaron Redmond smacked me around that game. I think I got one for about 100 so it was not my best memory.

"It was just part of making the step up and it was a big learning curve.''

Actually, Ferguson, who was 21 at the time, did a little bit better. He finished the match with two for 147. And his overall first-class record at the venue is excellent.

He has taken 18 wickets at an average on 19.44, including two five-wicket bags.

He will be hoping for another strong return tomorrow in game three of the five-match ODI series against Pakistan.

New Zealand leads 2-0 and can clinch the series win with another victory. And the Black Caps are in hot form at the moment, having strung together nine consecutive wins across three formats.

"It is pleasing to get a few results but the most important thing for me is trying to fit in and be a part of the bowling group.

"Obviously Tim [Southee] and Trent [Boult] are class bowlers and they are doing such a good job at that top. That allows me to come on and be an aggressive bowler through the middle.''

Ferguson took three for 39 in Nelson on Tuesday after Southee and Boult had combined to reduce Pakistan to 14 for two. The extra pace he can generate means the Black Caps do not have to go into a holding pattern and can keep attacking.

"My pace is something I work really hard at. But probably since [my first-class debut] I think more about accuracy and putting the ball in the right position for as long as possible.

"But I still have to do it with pace because that gives me the best opportunity to take wickets.''

Test cricket remains a firm goal for Ferguson. It is still the pinnacle format in his eyes. But for now he is focused on getting the best out of the white ball and developing his game.

"I've played some good first-class games but the test squad is very hard to get into. They've been playing very well and once again they've got a serious bowling unit.

"I'll kept trying to put my hand up but the white ball is the focus and that is what I'm working towards.''

The University Oval has been a successful ground for the national side. The team is undefeated in five ODIs but has not played one in the city since the World Cup.

The game is sold out and the forecast is looking promising.

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/pace-something-i-work-hard-ferguson-says
 
Black Caps searching for improved death bowling in third ODI

Finding areas which need work isn't always easy for a team on a roll, but death bowling is once again on the Black Caps' minds.

Captain Kane Williamson acknowledged it needed to improve ahead of Saturday's ODI against Pakistan at Dunedin's University Oval, after letting the visitors off the hook in Nelson on Tuesday.

It didn't cost the Black Caps the match, but letting them score 246-9 after they'd slumped to 141-7 in the 37th over irked Williamson, particularly as it's something the team has had to address before.

In the first ODI against the West Indies in Whangarei last month, the Black Caps had the tourists 182-7 before some late hitting got them through to 248-9.

The Black Caps also let South Africa and Australia get away on them after having them on the ropes last summer.

"Yeah, we learnt a few lessons from the last game," Williamson told media on Friday. "They bat very deep, the Pakistani side, and that is a sign of a good team.

"We were able to take those early wickets which certainly helped us, but to see their lower order come out and put together a partnership that gave them a total which could have been a tough chase . . . it's important that we learn from that and look to do that a little bit better."

Beating Pakistan in the third ODI won't just seal the five-match series with two games to play, it will equal their longest winning streak (across all formats) of 10 wins.

They will be boosted by the availability of all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme for the match. The Zimbabwe-born player hasn't played international cricket since his father's sudden death in the middle of last month.

Williamson confirmed de Grandhomme was in the match-day team, but whether or not he makes the playing XI at the expense of spinning all-rounders Todd Astle or Mitchell Santner won't be known until Saturday morning.

"The wicket at the moment, they sprinkled it this morning with a bit of water, so we want to have another look at it when it's fully prepared," Williamson said.

The Black Caps haven't played an ODI at the University Oval, a venue they've never lost at, since they beat Scotland by three-wickets in the 2015 World Cup. Tickets sold out on Thursday, meaning a capacity crowd of 4533 is expected at the match.

New Zealand has twice won 10 consecutive matches in history, not that Williamson claims to have given it any thought.

"It's nice those sort of things if they eventuate, but it's through hard work and guys performing their roles as best they can.

"I guess it's a nice outcome based thing for you guys [media] to talk about, which is cool. We're proud of that."

Pakistan are expected be boosted by the return of opening batsman Fakhar Zaman on Saturday.

Zaman missed the second ODI with a right-thigh contusion, and will most likely return to the playing XI in place of either Azhar Ali or Imam ul Haq.

Despite a string of comprehensive wins so far during the home summer so far, Williamson swatted away suggestions his team was yet to be challenged.

"I think we've been tested in each game that we've played this summer, every team you come up against is a test. You don't get ahead of yourself and treat it any differently to that.

"We know this Pakistan team is one of the best teams going around."

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/crick...ching-for-improved-death-bowling-in-third-ODI
 
Please show some fire for once! drop Azhar Ali and play Fahim and Fakhar as openers
 
Agreed to one of the posts above. Pitch doesn't matter its green/brown/cracks/no cracks. Pak batsmen will play the same song of "tuk tuk dot dot dot, tuk tuk tuk tuk dot dot dot dot" :azhar2

Unless we change our mindset from "see off the new ball" to "play your shots and no dots" we are going no where...
 
NZ really has some small grounds. This one looks like a club cricket ground. We have one like this one in Amsterdam as well.
 
What's the forecast today? I don't want to miss sleep for a half cooked game and then wake up at 4 AM for what's going to be a wonderful Test.
 
Prince of Pakistan said:
NZ really has some small grounds. This one looks like a club cricket ground. We have one like this one in Amsterdam as well.
Click to expand...

Still, 3 or 4 PAK players got hold out on line, trying to accelerate!!!!! On song Maqsood could have sent Astle & Santner out of attack.
 
MenInG said:
Pictures of Pakistan ODI squad practicing in Dunedin

View attachment 78135View attachment 78136View attachment 78137View attachment 78138View attachment 78139View attachment 78140View attachment 78141View attachment 78142View attachment 78143

View attachment 78144View attachment 78145
Click to expand...

What I'm trying to establish is how come with all this practice, we still have the same problems match after match? That we lose too many wickets or we score too slowly or both in the first 10 overs. Do these guys not simulate a match situation so that these issues can be resolved? Bowlers like Amir and Hasan aren't trundlers so surely after facing these type of guys in practice, they'd be more adept at facing pace bowling, surely even after playing a few matches.

Yet, we're always complaining about the same problems after every game. Allowing for the fact that we don't play the best possibe players or combinations for the opening or top order, we can't be doing that good in practice if we're still unable to counter pace bowling in the opening overs. There must be tons of video footage that the players can analyse as well to help them better prepare. But it seems like we always turn up half cooked. This is really frustrating.
 
MMHS said:
Still, 3 or 4 PAK players got hold out on line, trying to accelerate!!!!! On song Maqsood could have sent Astle & Santner out of attack.
Click to expand...

It's really embarrassing to see our so called spinners specialist experienced stars struggling against the likes of Santner and Astle on these roads.
 
Kroll said:
What I'm trying to establish is how come with all this practice, we still have the same problems match after match? That we lose too many wickets or we score too slowly or both in the first 10 overs. Do these guys not simulate a match situation so that these issues can be resolved? Bowlers like Amir and Hasan aren't trundlers so surely after facing these type of guys in practice, they'd be more adept at facing pace bowling, surely even after playing a few matches.

Yet, we're always complaining about the same problems after every game. Allowing for the fact that we don't play the best possibe players or combinations for the opening or top order, we can't be doing that good in practice if we're still unable to counter pace bowling in the opening overs. There must be tons of video footage that the players can analyse as well to help them better prepare. But it seems like we always turn up half cooked. This is really frustrating.
Click to expand...

The problem is with the players who are there. No matter how much he practices Azhar will never be a good ODI opener etc
 
Malik practicising his bowling..seems like it's his favorite 'all rounder' season today.
 
Where is Mickey? Haven't seen or heard from in this series. Can't even find him in the training pics.
 
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