World Cup 2023: Will rain affect Pakistan, New Zealand clash?

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Pakistan and New Zealand are set to face each other in their upcoming match of ICC World Cup 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. However, the match is at risk due to anticipated rain. 

The match is set to start at 10 am, with rain expected to intermittently affect the game from 11 am onwards.

In this crucial clash, New Zealand, currently in fourth place with eight points, will be chasing a spot in the semifinals. They are up against Pakistan, who are in fifth place with six points. 

Pakistan is entering the game with the momentum of breaking a four-match losing streak, while New Zealand is facing the challenge of a three-match losing streak.

Bengaluru, known for its high-scoring games, is the venue for this encounter. However, recent rain in the area has raised questions about how the weather and pitch conditions will affect the New Zealand and Pakistan clash.
 
Here's a look at the Bengaluru weather forecast for November 4: There's a threat of thunderstorms on Saturday, with cloudy conditions, a couple of showers, and a thunderstorm expected in the afternoon. 

According to AccuWeather, temperatures during playing hours will range from 24°C to 28°C, with a prediction of possible interruptions during the second innings and closing stages of the match. AccuWeather forecasts a 51 percent chance of precipitation around 2 PM IST, with 2.4mm of rain expected, and a 56 percent chance of a thunderstorm around 5 PM IST.

The Weather Channel predicts thunderstorms developing in the afternoon with a 100 percent chance of rain and temperatures hovering around 25-27°C during the playing hours, indicating the potential for weather disruptions in the New Zealand and Pakistan match.

Fortunately, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium have excellent drainage facilities, enabling quick resumption of play after stoppages. Only an extended spell of showers could lead to a complete washout of the match. 

A brief shower might result in some lost time, but not many overs are likely to be affected. However, The Weather Channel's forecast raises concerns about the possibility of a prolonged period of rain.

As for the pitch conditions in Bengaluru, it has produced mixed results in day-night matches so far, making it challenging to predict the wicket's behavior for the New Zealand – Pakistan game.

Pakistan is in dire need of a convincing victory against New Zealand this week. A win by a margin of 84 runs would propel Pakistan ahead of New Zealand in the tournament standings. Alternatively, chasing down the target within 35 overs could also give them an advantage.

In the unfortunate event of a match being washed out due to bad weather, both teams would be awarded one point each. It's worth noting that a washout would not impact the net run rate calculations.

Meanwhile, South Africa's impressive 190-run victory over New Zealand in the 32nd match has slightly improved Pakistan's chances. Babar Azam and his team face a challenging path to reach the World Cup semi-finals, with several obstacles in their way. To secure a spot in the knockout stage, Pakistan must win their remaining matches. Ideally, they should defeat New Zealand in the next game and hope for a Black Caps loss against Sri Lanka.

If New Zealand loses their remaining matches, they would conclude the group stage with eight points. Pakistan can qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points if they come out victorious in their next two matches.