New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed the lineup for an eagerly anticipated One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan, which kicks off on March 29, 2025. The announcement, made on March 25, features a noteworthy inclusion: Muhammad Abbas, a Lahore-born all-rounder, represents a fresh face in the squad alongside batter Nick Kelly.
This ODI series will take place in New Zealand, where the Black Caps will field a 13-member team that emphasizes emerging talent. It comes on the heels of New Zealand clinching a commanding 3-1 lead in the ongoing T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan, with a final match set for Wellington just before the ODIs begin.
While the squad features promising new players, it notably lacks the experienced presence of Kane Williamson, who has opted out, citing personal reasons. His absence comes along with that of Kyle Jamieson, who is being rested for workload management after a busy schedule that included participation in the Champions Trophy and T20I matches against Pakistan. Meanwhile, pacer Matt Henry is sidelined due to rehabilitation stemming from shoulder and knee injuries.
Tom Latham will step up as captain in Williamson's absence. He is joined by a cast of upcoming stars, including Abbas, who, at just 21 years old, has already made a name for himself as one of the most skilled batsmen in New Zealand's domestic cricket. Recent performances include a standout maiden List A century against Central Districts in New Plymouth just last month.
"With the next ICC ODI pinnacle event still two and half years away, the series is a perfect opportunity to introduce, or re-introduce in the case of Adi, these players to international cricket now," said Sam Wells, NZC's selection manager. This sentiment underscores NZC's strategy of leveraging this series as a testing ground for bench players and giving them vital international experience.
As New Zealand prepares for the ODIs, they'll be relying on the pace attack led by Will O’Rourke, who has proven his mettle. The squad features other new talents like Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, and the returning Adithya Ashok, who last played for New Zealand in December 2023.
The ODI series emphasizes an exciting opportunity for Abbas and Kelly, who both play for Wellington Firebirds in the domestic circuit. They’ll be eager to prove their worth against a Pakistani side known for producing world-class bowlers. For the Pakistani team, the upcoming series offers a chance to finish the tour on a strong note after a fluctuating T20I competition.
The first ODI is set for March 29, at McLean Park in Napier, followed by the second ODI at the same venue on April 2 and the final match scheduled for April 5 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
As the series approaches, the excitement builds among cricket fans who look forward to witnessing the clash between two cricketing nations, with the backdrop of strategic experimentation by New Zealand hoping to yield fruitful results for future encounters.
