New Zealand and Pakistan are set to clash in the first of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This match comes on the heels of a disappointing T20 series for Pakistan, where they fell to New Zealand by a significant margin of 1-4. The Men In Green are looking to turn the tide as they welcome back key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were rested during the T20 series.
Both teams are under different pressures heading into this ODI series. Pakistan is eager to redeem themselves after their recent performances in the T20 series and the Champions Trophy 2025, where they struggled to find their rhythm. The leadership of Babar Azam, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Rizwan, is expected to provide the much-needed stability and experience to the batting lineup. Their return is a much-anticipated boost for the squad, which has faced scrutiny after the T20 loss.
On the other hand, New Zealand will be without their regular captain Tom Latham, who is sidelined due to a fractured hand. In his absence, Michael Bracewell has been entrusted with the captaincy duties. Bracewell, known for his all-round capabilities, will need to step up significantly to lead the Kiwis against a determined Pakistani side.
The match is scheduled to start at 3:30 AM IST, with the toss taking place half an hour earlier at 3:00 AM IST. Fans in India can catch all the action live on the Sony Sports Network, while online streaming will be available through the Sony LIV app, FanCode, and Amazon Prime. This accessibility ensures that cricket enthusiasts can follow the game closely, regardless of where they are.
As the teams prepare for battle, the focus will be on the key players who could swing the match in their favor. For Pakistan, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are the standout figures, both known for their ability to anchor the innings and score under pressure. Azam, one of the world's top-ranked batters, will be looking to assert his dominance, while Rizwan's dynamic style adds an aggressive edge to the batting order.
In addition to the experienced duo, young talents like Usman Khan and fast-bowling sensation Haris Rauf will be crucial for Pakistan. Khan, with his aggressive batting approach, could be the wild card that changes the game, while Rauf’s pace and skill make him a formidable opponent for New Zealand's batting lineup.
For New Zealand, the absence of Latham creates an opportunity for other players to step up. Bracewell will not only lead the team but also contribute with both bat and ball. The Kiwis will rely on seasoned players such as Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman to post competitive totals and put pressure on the Pakistani bowlers.
This ODI series is not just about the immediate results; it serves as valuable preparation ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup. Both teams will be looking to fine-tune their strategies and assess their players' performance under pressure. The battle between Pakistan’s seasoned batters and New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack promises to deliver an exciting contest.
As the cricketing world watches closely, anticipation builds for what is expected to be a thrilling encounter at McLean Park. Fans are eager to see if Pakistan can rebound from their T20 woes and if New Zealand can maintain their momentum despite the absence of their captain.
In conclusion, the first ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan is set to be an intriguing match that could go either way. With both teams fielding strong lineups and significant stakes at play, cricket fans are in for a treat. Be sure to tune in for what promises to be an unforgettable clash between these two cricketing nations.
