Pakistan eyes revival against depleted New Zealand in ODI series

Pakistan will be eager to turn things around in the three-match One-day International (ODI) series against New Zealand following their disappointing 1-4 loss in the recently concluded T20I series.

The first ODI is set to take place at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday, where Pakistan will be aiming to get off to a strong start.

Historically, Pakistan and New Zealand have played 119 ODIs against each other. Pakistan has won 61 matches, while New Zealand has claimed victory in 54. Three encounters ended without a result, and one ended in a tie. However, recent clashes have not been kind to Pakistan, as they have lost their last three ODIs against New Zealand on home soil.

These three consecutive defeats include two losses in a tri-nation ODI series, while the third came in the opening match of the Champions Trophy at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on February 19. With a point to prove, Pakistan will be looking to break this losing streak.

The return of key players could be a significant boost for Pakistan. ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan is back in the squad alongside premier batter Babar Azam after both were left out of the T20I series preceding the ODIs.

While speaking to reporters on Friday, head coach Aaqib Javed expressed confidence in their presence, stating, "With Babar and Rizwan back, we expect improved performances and better results in this series."

Pakistan's bowling unit has seen some changes as well. While both Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were initially absent from the ODI squad, Rauf has been added along with wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan. Rauf was Pakistan’s standout bowler in the T20I series, picking up eight wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 12.25.

Speaking about the conditions in Napier, Javed emphasized Rauf’s importance. "The pitches here have been conducive to bowling, and we are not seeing frequent 300-run totals. Haris can be a game-changer for us in such conditions, which is why we brought him into the squad," he explained.

Pakistan’s likely XI

With Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman unavailable due to injuries, Pakistan will open with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, allowing Babar Azam to return to his preferred one-down position. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha have cemented their spots at numbers four and five, respectively. The number six position remains undecided, with options including Irfan Khan Niazi, Tayyab Tahir, and Khushdil Shah.

Pakistan is likely to opt for a bowling-heavy approach, selecting four pacers alongside a specialist spinner, which could be either Abrar Ahmed or Sufiyan Muqeem. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah are confirmed starters in the pace attack, with Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Wasim Jr serving as pace-bowling all-rounders.

Napier's pitch is expected to favor the bowlers, and Pakistan’s strategy will be centered around their fast bowlers restricting New Zealand to a low total.

"Our fast bowlers have performed well in recent tours of Australia and South Africa. Given the bowling-friendly conditions here, we will rely on them to keep New Zealand under 200 runs on what is a green-top pitch," Javed added.

Due to inclement weather on Friday, Pakistan's squad opted for an optional indoor practice session rather than training outdoors.

NZ suffers more setbacks

New Zealand, meanwhile, has suffered another blow to their batting lineup. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham, who was set to captain the side in Mitchell Santner’s absence, has been ruled out of the series after sustaining a fracture on his right hand during practice. Latham’s injury will sideline him for at least four weeks.

Head coach Gary Stead confirmed that Henry Nicholls has been called up to replace Latham, while Michael Bracewell will now lead the team.

"It’s unfortunate to lose Tom on the eve of the series, and we wish him a quick recovery. However, Michael has already done a commendable job in the T20I series, and we have confidence in his leadership," Stead said.

New Zealand’s batting order has been further weakened as Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips are unavailable due to Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments, while Kane Williamson has opted out of selection. As a result, Wellington-based duo Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly have received their maiden international call-ups.

Meanwhile, opening batter Will Young will miss the second and third ODIs as he awaits the birth of his first child. His replacement will be Canterbury’s 23-year-old batter Rhys Mariu, who is set to make his international debut.

Despite the significant changes to the squad, Stead remains optimistic.

"We have faith in our players’ ability to adapt to these adjustments," he said.

Pakistan will be determined to make a strong comeback and put their T20I disappointment behind them, while New Zealand will aim to prove that their new-look squad can still deliver on the big stage.

Squads

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (captain), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Rhys Mariu, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and Will Young.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan.