Dive into the action as New Zealand hosts Pakistan for the thrilling first ODI at the iconic Basin Reserve on Saturday, 5 January.
The Black Caps come into this clash with full confidence after sweeping the West Indies in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, reclaiming their spot atop the shortest format rankings. They are eager to keep the momentum rolling.
Facing them is a Pakistan squad fresh off a three-month break from ODI cricket. Their challenge is significant, with a demanding limited-overs tour packed with eight internationals in just 22 days.
Match Details:
New Zealand v Pakistan | Saturday, 5 January | Basin Reserve, Wellington | 00:00
Odds to Win
New Zealand 53/100 | Tie 35/1 | Pakistan 31/20
New Zealand Team Insights
The Kiwis showed great flexibility during their recent series against the Windies, testing various line-ups to prepare for Pakistan’s stronger challenge.
With key players Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor rested intermittently earlier, the first ODI sees a fully charged middle order featuring both. Martin Guptill returns to strengthen the opening partnership.
Leg-spinner Todd Astle is preferred over Ish Sodhi despite Sodhi’s rise to the top of the T20I bowling ranks. Mitchell Santner remains a vital all-round option, while Doug Bracewell is sidelined with injury.
The pace attack, led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, is expected to dominate, even in the absence of Mitchell McClenaghan, putting heavy pressure on Pakistan’s batting line-up.
Notably, New Zealand hasn’t lost an ODI to Pakistan since 2014, nor at home since 2011. The Basin Reserve has almost been a fortress, with no ODI defeats there since 1995 against any side except Australia and Pakistan.
Pakistan Team Update
Pakistan have made several changes from their last ODI squad facing Sri Lanka in October 2017, with the inclusions of Azhar Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Aamer Yamin, and Mohammad Amir, replacing underperforming or injured players.
Mohammad Amir leads a pace attack that New Zealand expects to be much more threatening compared to the recent Windies tour, especially as conditions at the Basin Reserve favour swing and seam bowling.
Many Pakistani players are match-fit, having played in the T10 league in Dubai and the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at home. Babar Azam’s brilliant recent form and his 83 in the last meeting at this ground makes him a crucial figure for Pakistan.
Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan, who impressed in a warm-up victory over a New Zealand XI, are expected to be key contributors. Shadab’s recent Big Bash League experience offers added value for the team.
The weather should hold clear for the match, aside from a chance of rain on Sunday, clearing fears of interruptions experienced in the Windies series.
Match Preview Verdict
New Zealand 53/100 to win
While ICC rankings place New Zealand just one spot ahead of Pakistan, the home advantage and familiarity with conditions give the Black Caps the edge over a sub-continental team still adjusting to foreign wickets and tight scheduling.
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