Napier to host 1st NZ vs PAK ODI: Preview
What's the story
The first ODI of the three-match series between New Zealand and Pakistan will be played at Napier's McLean Park on March 29. The preceding T20I series was completely dominated by New Zealand, who registered a convincing 4-1 victory. However, Pakistan have returned to their full strength for the ODI leg with the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan back. Here is the preview of the opening game.
Pitch report
Pitch report and streaming details
The pitch at Napier's McLean Park is likely to offer a good batting surface. However, it usually slows down as the game progresses and provides some assistance to fast bowlers early on in the innings. Across 49 ODIs played here, teams batting second have triumphed on 26 occasions. Fans can catch the live telecast of the match on Sony Sports Network (3:30am IST). Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, and FanCode app would provide the live streaming.
H2H
A look at the head-to-head record
As per ESPNcricinfo, both sides have met each other in 119 ODI matches to date. Pakistan have claimed 61 wins to New Zealand's 54. One match has been tied and three games didn't have any results. NZ beat Pakistan in each of their three ODI meetings this year. Overall, the Men in Green own 15 wins and 31 defeats against NZ in away ODIs.
Team update
Pakistan's squad bolstered for ODI series
Pakistan's bowling attack has been strengthened with Haris Rauf's addition. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr are also included in the squad. However, Shaheen Afridi misses out on the ODI squad. The team will be captained by Rizwan. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem are included as spinners in the lineup.
Leadership shift
New Zealand's captaincy change ahead of ODI series
New Zealand continue to test their bench strength as IPL-bound players are missing out on this series. Tom Latham, who was supposed to lead the team, has been ruled out after fracturing his hand during training. Michael Bracewell has been appointed the captain for this series and is confident after the T20I success. Daryl Mitchell, William O'Rourke, Will Young, and Mark Chapman are the other key players in the squad.
XIs
Here are the probable XIs
New Zealand Probable XI: Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Nick Kelly, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O'Rourke. Pakistan Probable XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
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