Azhar Mahmood: “New Zealand, in their history in World Cups, win a lot of matches but in crunch situations in semi-finals or quarter-finals, they often fail to perform well”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood believes that New Zealand have a habit of choking in high-profile or crunch games in the World Cup.

New Zealand are currently unbeaten in the tournament and will face Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

However, given that Pakistan need to win the match to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive, Mahmood feels that the men in green can put the Black Caps under pressure and hand them their first loss.

“New Zealand, in their history in World Cups, win a lot of matches but in crunch situations in semi-finals or quarter-finals, they often fail to perform well, it can happen with anyone. Everyone has to have a bad day and hopefully New Zealand have a bad day [against Pakistan],” Mahmood was quoted as saying by PakPassion.

New Zealand will go into the match having won five out of their six games, while their clash against India was washed out.

As for Pakistan, they have only won two out of their six games, with their most recent win coming against South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday.

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