The first One-Day International (ODI) between Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) is set for Thursday, April 27 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Here’s all you need to know about the PAK vs NZ encounter before of the game.
Following a dramatic T20I series, Pakistan and New Zealand will square off in ODIs, with an eye on the 50-over World Cup later this year. Pakistan will enter the series as overwhelming favourites, with Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq in excellent form in recent years. They also have a strong bowling attack to fall back on, led by Shaheen Afridi.
In New Zealand, Chad Bowes and Mark Chapman will attempt to capitalise on their opportunity in the absence of veteran players in the series. Despite lacking the same firepower as its opponents, New Zealand has a balanced team led by the seasoned Tom Latham.
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An exciting encounter awaits in Rawalpindi, with both teams hungry to begin the series with a win.
PAK vs NZ Match Details
New Zealand and Pakistan will face off in the first ODI in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The game is set to take place at 2:30 PM IST.
PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI
Date and Time: April 27, 2023, 4:00 PM IST
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
PAK vs NZ Pitch Report
As shown in the T20Is, the Rawalpindi track favours batsmen while being a tomb for bowlers. The team that wins the toss should bowl first because freshness can help bowlers in the first few overs before the pitch turns into a batting paradise.
PAK vs NZ Probable Playing XI
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Hauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
New Zealand: Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (c and wk), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Henry Shipley, Adam Milne, and Matt Henry.
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PAK vs NZ Fantasy Cricket Tips
Captain: Fakhar Zaman
Vice-captain: Mark Chapman
Wicketkeeper: Tom Latham
Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls
Allrounders: Shadab Khan, Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham
Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ish Sodhi
PAK vs NZ Match Prediction
Both statistically and in terms of experience, Pakistan are strong favourites to win the first ODI; yet New Zealand will put up a fight.
PAK vs NZ Live Streaming
Live Streaming: SonyLIV
Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
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