PAK vs NZ ODI: A high-stakes clash in Napier awaits

NAPIER: New Zealand is set to take on Pakistan for a three-match ODI series (PAK vs NZ), starting from Saturday at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand.

The first ODI match between the two teams (PAK vs NZ) will start at 3 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on Saturday.

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The ODI match follows the recent 4-1 Kiwi victory in the T20I series against Pakistan, where the former ruthlessly massacred the guests.

In the final T20I match on Wednesday, the Black Caps opted to bowl first after winning the toss. They successfully restricted Pakistan to a mere 128 runs.

Salman Agha was the only tolerably bearable performer for Pakistan, scoring a measly 51 runs off 39 runs.

In contrast, Kiwi opener,  Tim Seifert, delivered an impressive performance, scoring an unbeaten 97 runs off just 38 balls.

The Kiwis breezed to an eight-wicket victory over the Men in Green.

As the teams now transition to the 50-over format, New Zealand is expected to maintain its momentum. They have called up on two uncapped players to replace several senior players participating in the Indian Premiere League (IPL) 2025.

Kane Williamson withdrew from the squad due to his commitments as commentator in the IPL 2025. Meanwhile, Muhammad Abbas is set to make his international debut against his birth country, Pakistan.

On the other hand, Pakistan is making some changes to its line-up. Babar Azam is likely to move to the number three batting position, while Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique are expected to open the innings.

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Bowler Haris Rauf was included in the first PAK vs NZ ODI match, after he performed well in the T20I series, where he took seven wickets.

A final decision on the reserve wicketkeeper – Mohammad Haris or Usman Khan is still pending.