New Zealand and Pakistan will lock horns in a thrilling encounter as they meet for the first ODI of the three-match series at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Cricket fans worldwide are anticipating an exciting battle, especially after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded T20I series.
Key Highlights:
New Zealand vs Pakistan: Major Pointers Ahead of the Match
Pakistan enters this ODI series aiming to bounce back strongly after losing the T20I series to New Zealand by a significant 1-4 margin. The Pakistan team receives a major boost with the return of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were rested during the T20I matches. Their inclusion adds much-needed strength and stability to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
On the flip side, New Zealand faces a setback as skipper Tom Latham is sidelined due to a fractured hand. Michael Bracewell has been entrusted with captaincy duties for the Kiwis in Latham’s absence.
Where to Watch New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Live?
For cricket enthusiasts wondering where to watch New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team, here are the complete details:
- Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Venue: McLean Park, Napier
- Match Start Time: 3:30 AM IST
- Toss Time: 3:00 AM IST
Television Broadcast:
Fans in India can catch live coverage on the Sony Sports Network.
Online Live Streaming:
The match will be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app and website, as well as on FanCode, ensuring fans can enjoy every moment of this exciting encounter online.
New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI Series – Players to Watch Out For
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain key figures for Pakistan, with their experience and batting prowess vital for the team’s success. Babar, one of the world’s top-ranked batters, and Rizwan, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, are expected to anchor the innings and provide the much-needed solidity.
Young talent Usman Khan and fast-bowling sensation Haris Rauf will also play crucial roles in Pakistan’s strategy. Khan, known for his aggressive style, could be Pakistan’s wild card, while Haris Rauf’s pace and variations make him an asset in limited-overs cricket.
For New Zealand, captain Michael Bracewell will look to lead from the front. With Tom Latham missing out due to injury, Bracewell’s all-round ability with bat and ball will be crucial. The hosts will rely heavily on experienced players like Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman to post competitive totals.
Full Squads for NZ vs PAK 1st ODI:
New Zealand Squad:
Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas, Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, Adithya Ashok.
Pakistan Squad:
Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk, c), Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Irfan Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan.
Why This Match is a Must-Watch
The upcoming ODI at Napier offers a fresh start for both teams. For Pakistan, the return of star players boosts morale and strengthens their batting order. New Zealand, despite missing their regular skipper, has shown excellent form in recent T20I games and will look to carry that momentum into the ODIs.
The battle between Pakistan’s seasoned batters against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling lineup will make for an intriguing contest. Moreover, with the ODI World Cup approaching, every match serves as valuable preparation and performance benchmarking for both teams.
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide, especially those in India, eagerly await this match. Fans can catch all the action via Sony Sports Network and live stream through Sony LIV and FanCode, ensuring they don’t miss a single delivery.
Stay tuned for more updates, match highlights, live scores, latest cricket news, weather forecasts, and other cricketing insights.
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