The upcoming New Zealand vs Pakistan match in the World Cup's league stage carries significant stakes. Until recently, it appeared that the four semifinalists were almost set, with New Zealand securing their place and Pakistan on the outside. However, the situation has undergone a significant change.

New Zealand's fortunes have taken a sharp downturn. After an impressive start with four consecutive wins in the league stage, their form has taken a nosedive, with three consecutive losses and mounting player injuries. 

Currently, several of their players are nursing injuries, despite training in Bengaluru on the eve of this match. Another couple of unfavorable results could see New Zealand slipping out of the top four.

Their initial victories included a dominant performance against England, followed by wins over the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, though these were solid rather than spectacular. 

New Zealand's lack of star power, especially in the absence of Kane Williamson, became evident in their losses to India and Australia, albeit not by large margins. Their most dismal display came against South Africa, where they suffered a 190-run defeat, impacting their net run-rate and keeping Pakistan's hopes alive.

In the current tournament, Shaheen Shah Afridi stands as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker, achieving some early wickets against Bangladesh in addition to his death-over prowess. Fakhar Zaman, who was temporarily dropped due to a loss of form and confidence, returned to his vintage self against Bangladesh, smashing seven sixes with reckless abandon against both pace and spin. Mohammad Wasim also displayed impressive reverse swing late in the innings.

As the teams face off on Saturday, New Zealand will aim to hold onto their position, while Pakistan will strive to claim it. The World Cup has lacked close matches, but the tense battle for the fourth spot may just provide the excitement fans have been waiting for.

Team News

New Zealand has brought Kyle Jamieson back to India after Matt Henry's injury, but they also have other injury concerns. In a positive development, injured players such as Williamson, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, and Jimmy Neesham all trained in Bengaluru on Friday, with their availability set to be confirmed on game day, likely at the toss. However, it's probable that Jamieson will be included in the XI right away.

New Zealand (possible):

1. Devon Conway

2. Will Young

3. Rachin Ravindra

4. Daryl Mitchell

5. Tom Latham (capt & wk)

6. Glenn Phillips

7. Mitchell Santner

8. James Neesham

9. Kyle Jamieson

10. Tim Southee/Lockie Ferguson

11. Trent Boult

Fakhar's return to form ensures his place at the top of Pakistan's batting order, while Agha Salman, although not utilized with either bat or ball against Bangladesh, is expected to retain his spot ahead of Nawaz.

Pakistan (probable):

1. Abdullah Shafique

2. Fakhar Zaman

3. Babar Azam (capt)

4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)

5. Saud Shakeel

6. Iftikhar Ahmed

7. Agha Salman

8. Shadab Khan/Mohammad Nawaz

9. Mohammad Wasim

10. Shaheen Shah Afridi

11. Haris Rauf

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Stream TV Channels

The viewers can watch Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Stream in Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3 and many other networks.

Star Sports Network India is the official broadcaster of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, it sheduled to air the tournament on Star Sports and OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar in India.The list below is showing the broadcasters by County or Territory.

The broadcasting rights for the upcoming event are held by various networks across different territories. Here’s a consolidated view of Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Stream TV Channels:

Afghanistan: RTA Sports and Ariana TV.

Australia: Foxtel TV, Kayo TV, and Nine Network.

Bangladesh: Gazi TV, T Sports, and BTV.

Canada: Willow TV.

Continental Europe: Yupp TV.

Caribbean Islands: ESPN.

England: Sky Sports Cricket.

Hong Kong: Astro Vinmeen HD and Yupp TV.

India: Star Sports Network and DD Sports.

Central East and North Africa: Etisalat and Starzplday.

New Zealand: Sky Sports and Sky Sports 3.

Nepal: Star Sports Network.

Pakistan: A Sports and PTV Sports.

Pacific Islands: TVWAN Action PAC.

Sri Lanka: Sirasa TV (TV1) and Star Sports Network.

South Africa: SuperSports.

South East Asia: Yupp TV.

Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSports.

Singapore: Astro Vinmeen HD.

United States: Willow TV and Willow TV Xtra.

United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket.