Pakistan meet New Zealand in ODI tri-series opener: Preview
What's the story
The much-anticipated ODI tri-series, involving cricketing giants Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa is all set to get underway.
The first match will see Pakistan and New Zealand square off on Saturday (February 8) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
It will be their first ODI meeting since the 2023 World Cup in India.
Moreover, both teams would also view this game as a preparation oppurtunity ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Here is the preview.
Match details
Weather, pitch conditions, and streaming details
The weather forecast for the upcoming match is rain-free, with temperatures expected to remain in the early 20s in the first half of the game and below 20 degrees Celsius after the sunset.
The pitch is expected to be a batsmen and spinners' paradise, especially in the first innings.
However, spinners may find it difficult in the second innings due to dew.
The match be live telivise on Sony Sports Network while FanCode will provide the live streaming (2:30pm IST).
H2H
A look at the head-to-head records
As per ESPNcricinfo, both sides have met each other in 116 ODI matches to date. Pakistan have claimed 61 wins to New Zealand's 51.
One match has been tied and three games didn't have any results. Pakistan beat NZ 4-1 in their preceding home ODI assignment against NZ, in 2023.
Overall, the Men in Green own 22 wins and just six defeats against NZ in home ODIs.
Player showdowns
Key battles to watch out for
The match promises to see some fiery player battles.
One such clash will be between Rachin Ravindra and Shaheen Afridi, with the former's batting ability coming up against the latter's bowling talent.
Another major battle is expected between Kane Williamson and Haris Rauf, with Williamson spearheading New Zealand's batting attack in tough conditions while Rauf looking to get him out early.
XIs
Here are the probable XIs
Pakistan Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand Probable XI: Will Young/Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson.
Stats
Here are the key performers
Fakhar Zaman, who is making a comeback to international cricket, owns 959 ODI runs against NZ at 68.50.
Shaheen Afridi claimed 15 wickets across just six ODI games in 2024. The year also saw Haris Rauf claim 13 wickets across eight ODIs.
With 1,244 runs at 49.76, Daryl Mitchell is NZ's most successful ODI batter since 2023. Matt Henry has claimed 34 wickets in this period at 25.29.