As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 heats up, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the clash between New Zealand and Pakistan in match number 35. However, the unpredictable weather in Bengaluru could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated encounter. Both teams are vying for a spot in the semi-finals, making the weather forecast a topic of discussion and concern.
The head-to-head battle between New Zealand and Pakistan in the ODI format has always been competitive, and this match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Karnataka is no exception. The pitch and weather conditions will have a significant impact on the strategies and gameplay for both teams.
Looking at their historical rivalry, Pakistan holds a slim lead over New Zealand in their ODI encounters. Out of the 115 matches played between these teams, Pakistan has won 60, while New Zealand has secured 51 victories. Three matches have ended without a result, highlighting the competitiveness of their matches.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its batsmen-friendly pitches and short boundaries, which often lead to high-scoring contests. The pitch offers a favorable bounce, resulting in impressive first-inning totals averaging around 307 runs. Bowlers will need to plan their strategies carefully to navigate these conditions.
However, the weather forecast for the match day, Saturday, November 4, raises concerns. According to AccuWeather, there is a 68% chance of rain during the daytime, decreasing to 25% in the evening. Although the rain might subside, there could be a persistent cloud cover throughout the day, significantly impacting the gameplay.