NZ vs PAK Super 8: Kiwi batsman ready to tackle Pakistan’s mystery spinner, Super 8 battle from today

Colombo. New Zealand batsman Mark Chapman said that the experience of mutual matches will help his team a lot in dealing with the bowling attack led by Pakistan’s unique spinner Usman Tariq. New Zealand will face Pakistan in the Group-Two match of Super-Eight on Saturday. From August 2024 till now, a total of 20 matches have been played between New Zealand and Pakistan in ODI and T20. Chapman believes that these matches have made it easier for his team to understand Pakistan’s bowlers. This match will be played at R Premadasa Stadium from 7 pm Indian time. The Super 8 match between New Zealand and Pakistan will be telecast live on Star Sports Network in India. Whereas its live streaming will be on Jio Hot Star.

Mark Chapman said, ‘Usman Tariq’s action is different, especially the way he bowls while staying at the crease is unique and this has to be kept in mind. Pakistan has many good spinners and each spinner gives his own challenge. He further said, ‘Pakistan is one of the teams against which we have played the most matches in the last few years. We know very well what kind of challenge they will give. It is important for us to be completely clear about our strategy.

Chapman admitted that Sri Lanka’s pitches are slower than India’s, so New Zealand’s bowlers will have to change their strategy. In India, especially on red clay pitches, the batsmen get a lot of help and it becomes difficult for the bowlers. Scores around 200 have been seen in many matches. It has been a challenge for the bowlers. But the pitches here are a little slow, due to which the bowlers can get a good opportunity to show their skills. He said that the role of spin can be more important here. He said that there is a possibility that spin will have more impact. At present we will have to take a decision only after seeing the pitch.

This 31 year old batsman expressed hope that New Zealand will benefit from all the matches of Super-8 being held in Colombo. He said, ‘In such a tournament, it is challenging to play on different grounds and adapt to the conditions. But with all three matches being held at one place, we will be able to learn better with each match. It is good for us to play on the same ground and almost the same pitches. This is something we will not complain about. Chapman allayed concerns about the fitness of New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.

Santner could not play the last match. He said, ‘Mitch Santner looks completely fit and is excited to return to the field. If there is no problem they will be available. Lockie Ferguson left the team on paternity leave. He is preparing to return and may reach Colombo soon. It remains to be seen how his condition is after the long flight.