In a significant prelude to the one-day international between Pakistan and New Zealand in Napier on Saturday, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl. The match sees both sides introduce several changes following a five-match T20 series that concluded with New Zealand’s 4-1 triumph.
Key Points
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Toss and Decision:
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the stage for a competitive contest. -
Squad Changes:
Both teams have overhauled their T20 series line-ups. Notably, Pakistan recalled captain Mohammad Rizwan and key batter Babar Azam, who had been sidelined for the T20 matches. -
Debut Performances:
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For Pakistan, seamer Akif Javed makes his international debut. Additionally, opening batsman Usman Khan and seamer Mohammed Ali are appearing in their first ODI.
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New Zealand introduces opening batsman Nick Kelly and Pakistan-born all-rounder Muhammad Abbas as part of their fresh squad.
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Team Line-ups:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed.
New Zealand: Nick Kelly, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (captain), Muhammad Abbas, Mitch Hay, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke. -
Officials for the Match:
Umpires from New Zealand and Australia, Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel respectively, will oversee the game. Michael Gough from England acts as the TV umpire, while former New Zealand captain Jeff Crowe serves as the match referee.
The first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand promises to be a compelling encounter, marked by strategic changes and debut performances. With both teams eager to establish dominance after the recent T20 series, the match is poised to offer plenty of competitive cricket and a glimpse of emerging talent in international cricket.
