New Zealand aim run-rate boost for greater grip on semis spot

Beaten by Australia, and convincingly in the end at that, New Zealand know a thing or two about rebounds. They paraded back to relevance by not just chasing 151 against Windies with 31.4 overs to spare, but elbowed their way into top-four too. And now they are up against a win-less team in this World Cup, crying for a rebound. Pakistan can take inspiration, definitely. But will they?

The teams face each other at Taunton, a venue that tips towards New Zealand; they won their last game here, making it three wins out of their four ODIs here, and play Pakistan, who are yet to play a game here in this World Cup.

On paper, New Zealand are absolute favourites. And the argument is not just backed by the points table -- where New Zealand are fourth and Pakistan, seventh -- but by history too. New Zealand have never been beaten by Pakistan in the 10 One-Day Internationals they have played against each other. And then, Pakistan are in the middle of an eleven-match losing streak in World Cups.

White Ferns' wicketkeeper-batter, Rachel Priest, played a staggering innings of 90 off 55 balls in the last game, and will be in focus again, as much as say Amy Satterthwaite, who has 400 runs against Pakistan in only five ODIs.

That said, Pakistan have hit a good bowling rhythm of late. They had one of their best bowling outings against India, and then had Australia pinned down at 7 for 2 inside six overs. But the bowling wheels then came off, much like their batting in every single game this tournament. Having been bowled out for 74 (vs India) and 131 (vs Australia) in their last two games, the onus will be on batting to step up.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to boost the run-rate. They had a game washed out against South Africa early in the tournament, and the semi-final spot could well come down to the net run-rate.

All in all, New Zealand go into this game as heavyweights but "Can Pakistan pull off an upset?" will be the driver of this cricket match.

When: New Zealand Women vs Pakistan Women, 10:30 AM Local time (3:00 PM IST)

Where: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

What to expect: The weather is expected to be cloudy, with a high of 23 degrees predicted. All four World Cup games here have been won by sides batting second, so expect another good chasing track on offer.

Team News:

New Zealand: The Bates-led side will look to go in with a settled winning combination after a massive win against Windies.

Pakistan: Javeria Khan was left out of the playing XI in the match against Australia, making way for Marina Iqbal, who made 9 off 33. Pakistan have a problem in the top-order. Except the nought last game, Nahida Khan has had starts this tournament that Pakistan have failed to ride.

Quotes:

"Every game is almost a knock-out game so we have to bring our A game and play as well as we can against any opposition" - Suzie Bates, New Zealand captain.

"I think we have started very well with the ball against all the big teams so we're not afraid of them. I think with the kind of attitude and consistency we're showing with our bowling, particularly early on, we can hurt New Zealand." - Sana Mir, Pakistan captain.

Squads:

New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates(c), Rachel Priest(w), Sophie Devine, Katey Martin, Amy Satterthwaite, Katie Perkins, Maddy Green, Lea Tahuhu, Amelia Kerr, Leigh Kasperek, Holly Huddleston, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Thamsyn Newton, Erin Bermingham

Pakistan Women: Ayesha Zafar, Nahida Khan, Marina Iqbal, Nain Abidi, Iram Javed, Asmavia Iqbal, Sana Mir(c), Sidra Nawaz(w), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Yousuf, Diana Baig, Waheeda Akhtar, Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz, Javeria Khan