New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, featuring two debutants—Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas. The absence of Kane Williamson due to a scheduled break has opened opportunities for fresh talent, as the Black Caps look to test their depth ahead of future international commitments.
New Faces in the Black Caps Squad
With Williamson and other key players missing, the selection committee has introduced Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas to the ODI setup for the first time. Both players have been impressive in domestic cricket and now have a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.
Who is Nick Kelly?
Nick Kelly, a 30-year-old left-handed batter, has been a consistent performer in New Zealand’s domestic circuit. Known for his aggressive batting style and ability to anchor innings, Kelly’s call-up is well deserved.
Nick Kelly’s Domestic ODI Record
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 1,850 | 41.11 | 88.75 | 147* |
His ability to play under pressure and rotate strike makes him an ideal candidate to strengthen New Zealand’s middle order.
Who is Muhammad Abbas?
Muhammad Abbas, an exciting 21-year-old all-rounder, has been turning heads with his performances in New Zealand’s domestic circuit. Originally from Pakistan, Abbas moved to New Zealand at a young age and has been making rapid strides in professional cricket.
Muhammad Abbas’ Domestic ODI Record
| Matches | Runs | Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 970 | 38.80 | 28 | 26.50 |
His inclusion adds depth to New Zealand’s squad, giving them an additional spin option along with batting firepower.
New Zealand Squad for Pakistan ODIs
With key senior players unavailable, Tom Latham will lead the team, and the squad includes a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars.
Complete New Zealand Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Tom Latham (C) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Finn Allen | Batter |
| Will Young | Batter |
| Nick Kelly | Batter |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-rounder |
| Mark Chapman | All-rounder |
| Muhammad Abbas | All-rounder |
| Ish Sodhi | Bowler |
| Kyle Jamieson | Bowler |
| Matt Henry | Bowler |
| Lockie Ferguson | Bowler |
| Ben Sears | Bowler |
This squad reflects a transition phase for New Zealand, as they look to develop talent for future international tournaments.
Why is Kane Williamson Unavailable?
New Zealand’s star batter Kane Williamson has been rested for this series to manage his workload and prepare for upcoming international assignments. Having recently returned from injury, Williamson has been carefully handling his schedule to stay fit for major tournaments.
| Player | Matches in 2024 | Average | Reason for Absence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kane Williamson | 11 | 45.80 | Workload Management |
New Zealand’s management has emphasized the importance of resting key players while also providing opportunities for new talent.
Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule
The five-match ODI series will be played across multiple venues in Pakistan, with a packed schedule for both teams.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | March 15 | Lahore |
| 2nd ODI | March 18 | Lahore |
| 3rd ODI | March 21 | Rawalpindi |
| 4th ODI | March 24 | Rawalpindi |
| 5th ODI | March 27 | Karachi |
This series is expected to be an exciting battle, with both teams testing new players ahead of upcoming international events.
Pakistan Squad Overview
Pakistan, on the other hand, will field a full-strength squad, led by Babar Azam. The hosts will aim to capitalize on New Zealand’s inexperience and secure a series win on home soil.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam (C) | Batter |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter |
| Imam-ul-Haq | Batter |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler |
With Pakistan fielding their best XI, the challenge for New Zealand’s new-look team will be immense.
New Zealand’s decision to rest Kane Williamson and introduce fresh talent like Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas signals a transition phase for the team. While they will enter the series as underdogs, this tour presents a golden opportunity for young players to prove their worth.
The Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI series promises thrilling cricket, with a mix of experience and new blood in both squads. Fans can expect exciting performances as the two teams lock horns in highly competitive conditions in Pakistan.
