PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

The two teams will be facing each other in an ODI for the first time since the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Published - 08 Jan 2023, 15:11 IST | Updated - 08 Jan 2023, 15:11 IST

3 Min Read

Pakistan and New Zealand will lock horns in the first ODI of the three-match series on January 09, 2023, at the National Bank Cricket Arena (National Stadium earlier) in Karachi. The two teams faced each other in a two-match Test series, which ended in a draw after no result was seen in either of the matches.

The last time these two sides faced each other in an ODI match was back in 2019, during the ODI World Cup. They clashed at Edgbaston in Birmingham, and the game saw Babar Azam scoring an unbeaten century for his side during the chase, to take Pakistan to a win. While chasing the 238-run target set by New Zealand, the then Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side won the game by six wickets in the final over.

Pakistan’s last ODI fixture was against the Netherlands when the Dutch team hosted the Men in Green for a three-match ODI series. Winning the first two games, Pakistan clinched the series early and completed a 3-0 whitewash by winning the final fixture as well. The Babar Azam-led side has won eight out of their previous ten ODI matches, and have an ongoing streak of eight consecutive wins.

The BlackCaps, on the other hand, last faced India in November, in their most recent ODI outing when the Men in Blue toured New Zealand. They defeated India by seven wickets in the first match of their three-match series before the remaining two games were washed out due to rain. The opening game saw Tom Latham notching up an unbeaten 145*(104) and Kane Williamson putting up 94*(98) to help their side chase the 307-run target.

Pitch and Conditions

The Karachi pitch is anticipated to be ideal for batting. The captain winning the toss might opt to chase the score, given the chaseable conditions of the surface. The average first innings score at this venue, in the 52 ODIs played here, is 244 runs. A score above 300 can be a winning total.

Probable Playing XI for PAK vs NZ 1st ODI

Pakistan

Pakistan have got a formidable ODI team, and they will be looking to extend their winning streak in ODIs. With the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup approaching, the Men in Green will be looking to prepare a strong squad and prepare themselves for the tournaments.

Probable Playing XI- Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Agha Salman, Mohammad Wasim Jr. Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Usama Mir

New Zealand

The Kiwis had a forgettable outing in their last ODI series. Though they won it 1-0, rain played a spoilsport. But they showed great confidence in the game against India, and the batters put up a brilliant show on display. Thus, they’ll be looking to continue the same form in the upcoming game and utilize the batting-friendly pitch conditions.

Probable Playing XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Henry Nicholls/Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi