Pakistan seeks strong start in tri-series opener against New Zealand

Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off the tri-series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. This tournament serves as a warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to commence in Karachi on February 19, with Pakistan and New Zealand playing the opening match.

The tri-nation ODI series, featuring hosts Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, will take place from February 8 to 14. Matches will be held at the newly built Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan will be aiming for his fourth consecutive ODI series triumph after leading his side to victories against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa last year.

Speaking before the series, Rizwan expressed excitement about playing in front of home fans in the new stadiums.

“We are thrilled to be back in front of our home crowd and in the newly constructed venues in Lahore and Karachi. The preparations have been solid, and the players are eager to perform at their best ahead of the ICC event,” Rizwan said.

Pakistan’s likely XI

With Saim Ayub ruled out of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan has opted not to bring in a replacement opener. As a result, Babar Azam will move up from his usual No. 3 position to open alongside Fakhar Zaman, who returns to the ODI squad. The duo has already been tested in practice matches ahead of the series.

Kamran Ghulam, a domestic No. 3 batter, is expected to slot into that role, followed by skipper Rizwan at No. 4. The No. 5 position remains uncertain, with Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir vying for a spot.

Pakistan has only named Abrar Ahmed as a specialist spinner, meaning they will rely on all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah for additional spin options. Rizwan acknowledged the team composition would depend on pitch conditions and the presence of dew.

“Team selection depends on the conditions. With dew in play, we might not require two specialist spinners. Salman and Khushdil can provide additional spin options,” Rizwan said in the pre-match press conference.

Khushdil, who has been in superb form in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with 17 wickets in nine matches, will partner Salman Ali Agha in the lower middle order. Pakistan's pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, with Abrar complementing them as the frontline spinner.

New Zealand’s preparations

New Zealand held their first training session at the LCCA Ground on Thursday evening. Skipper Mitchell Santner spoke positively about the conditions.

“We had a good training session under lights in Lahore and are excited to take on Pakistan. It’s great to be back here, and the tri-series will be a valuable opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the wickets ahead of the Champions Trophy,” Santner said.

Devon Conway is likely to open the batting alongside Will Young, who recently scored a fine 90 against Sri Lanka. Rachin Ravindra will bat at one down, while the middle order is expected to feature Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), and Glenn Phillips.

Skipper Santner will handle spin-bowling duties along with Philips who can chip in part-time off spin. Meanwhile, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Will O’Rourke are set to lead the pace attack. Lockie Ferguson, who recently completed a stint in the ILT20, might be rested due to fitness concerns.

“We are monitoring Lockie’s fitness as he felt some soreness after ILT20. Duffy is with us as cover,” Santner confirmed.

With both teams looking to fine-tune their squads ahead of the Champions Trophy, this tri-series opener promises to be an exciting contest.