As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan, the stakes couldn't be higher for the visiting team. After suffering a disheartening 4-1 defeat in the T20I series, Pakistan is looking to reset and regain their footing in the one-day format. The first match of the three-match ODI series is set to take place on March 29, 2025, at McLean Park in Napier, and both teams are eager to make their mark.
New Zealand enters this contest with a significant advantage, riding high on their recent success against Pakistan. The Blackcaps displayed their dominance in the T20I series, showcasing a blend of consistency and flair that left the visitors reeling. In the ODIs leading up to this series, New Zealand convincingly beat Pakistan on three occasions during the Champions Trophy and its build-up, solidifying their status as formidable opponents.
Pakistan's interim coach, Aqib Javed, has outlined a clear strategy for the upcoming series, emphasizing the need to restrict New Zealand to under 200 runs. “The pitches here are similar to those in Australia and South Africa, where our fast bowlers dominated. We will try restricting them to under 200. Our experienced batting lineup, with Babar [Azam] and Rizwan back in ODIs, should secure good results,” Javed stated ahead of the match.
The return of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is expected to bolster Pakistan’s batting lineup. Babar, who has been a standout performer against New Zealand with 1009 runs in 23 ODIs, is keen to lead from the front. Meanwhile, Rizwan, who has amassed 2572 runs in 88 ODIs, will also play a crucial role in stabilizing the innings.
In the lead-up to the series, Pakistan has made several changes to their squad, bringing in experienced players like Haris Rauf, who was deemed the best option for the New Zealand conditions. “Even though we lost in the T20Is here, Haris proved why he’s the best option in these conditions,” Javed added, highlighting Rauf's potential impact.
On the other hand, New Zealand has demonstrated impressive depth in their squad, even in the absence of some key players due to IPL commitments. Captain Michael Bracewell leads a side that includes promising talents like 21-year-old Mohammad Abbas, making his debut, and 23-year-old Rhys Mariu, who steps in following Tom Latham's injury. The Blackcaps' ability to field a competitive team despite missing several stars speaks volumes about their cricketing culture and development.
The historical rivalry between these two teams adds further intrigue to the upcoming matches. In total, New Zealand and Pakistan have faced off 119 times in ODIs, with Pakistan leading the head-to-head record with 61 wins compared to New Zealand's 54. However, recent encounters have tilted in favor of the Kiwis, who have won their last three ODIs against Pakistan.
As the teams prepare for the first ODI, the pitch at McLean Park is expected to be conducive for stroke play, with 60-meter square boundaries favoring aggressive batting. The weather forecast indicates partly sunny conditions, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 10 degrees Celsius and a slight chance of rain, ensuring a thrilling contest.
Both teams have released their probable playing XIs, with New Zealand set to field: Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Nathan Smith, Adithya Ashok, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Jacob Duffy. Pakistan, on the other hand, will likely feature: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
As the series kicks off, all eyes will be on the performance of both teams. Pakistan needs to shake off the disappointment of the T20I series and find their rhythm in ODIs, while New Zealand aims to continue their winning momentum. With so much at stake, fans can expect an exciting showdown that promises to deliver thrilling cricket.
The first ODI will commence at 3:30 AM IST (11:00 AM local time), with live streaming available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, and FanCode. Given the recent form of both teams, New Zealand is favored to win, but Pakistan’s potential for a comeback cannot be ruled out. As the cricketing world watches, the stage is set for what promises to be a captivating series.
