Pakistan will be locking horns with New Zealand in the first One Day International at the National Bank Arena in Karachi on Monday, January 9.
The hosts will be back in action in the 50-overs format after playing non-stop T20Is and Tests in the last few months and they would be banking on home advantage with this year’s ODI World Cup preparations in mind. The Men in Green did not lose an ODI series at home last year and their impressive 2-1 victory against Australia last summer will give them some confidence heading into this One Day series.
Check Here: Pakistan vs New zealand Live Score
The Kiwis, on the other hand, will be hoping to make an impact in this ODI series. Further, they will be visiting India for a white-ball series later this month, including ODIs. Thus, the Blackcaps would be looking at this as an ideal opportunity to get accustomed to the conditions in the subcontinent with an eye on the World Cup.
Match Details
Venue: National Bank Arena, Karachi
Date & Time: January 9, 3:00 PM IST
Telecast & Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv App
Pitch Report
The surface at Karachi might keep low and offer turn for the spinners as the contest progresses. However, the bowlers could find it difficult to bowl in the second innings with humid conditions expected. Therefore, the captain winning the toss will bowl first.
Predicted Playing XIs for PAK vs NZ
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shanawaz Dahani
New Zealand:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Lockie Ferguson, Ajaz Patel
Pakistan (PAK) vs New Zealand (NZ) Head to Head
Overall
Matches- 107, Pakistan – 55, New Zealand – 48, N/R- 3, Tied- 1
In Pakistan (PAK)
Matches- 20, Pakistan – 17, New Zealand – 3, N/R- 0, Tied- 0
Probable Best Performers from PAK vs NZ
Probable best batter: Babar Azam
Babar Azam seems to be an unstoppable force in One Day Internationals as he has been sitting comfortably at the top position in ICC men’s rankings for batters since July 2021. The Pakistan skipper had an outstanding 2022, having amassed 679 runs from nine matches including three centuries in this format. Azam would be looking to continue his purple patch in the 50-overs format.
Probable best bowler: Tim Southee
The onus will be on veteran pacer Tim Southee to spearhead the New Zealand pace attack in the absence of seasoned pacer Matt Henry who has been ruled out due to an abdominal strain. While Southee might not be able to generate swing in these conditions, he can be a lethal force with his disciplined lines and lengths.
Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match
Also Check: PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction
