PAK vs NZ Match Preview- 1st ODI, Pakistan ODI tri-series 2025

The ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa will get underway this week and the first game will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand. The game is scheduled to take place on Saturday (February 8) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

This will be the first PAK vs NZ ODI between the two teams since the 2023 World Cup in India. Both Pakistan and New Zealand will be keen to start the tri-series on a winning note. So as they gear up for the game, we are taking a look at the match preview.

PAK vs NZ Match Preview- 1st ODI, Pakistan ODI tri-series 2025:

PAK vs NZ 1st ODI Date and Venue:

The upcoming PAK vs NZ ODI will be played on Saturday (February 8) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match will be played from 02:30 PM (IST).

Squads:

Pakistan:

Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Usman Khan (wk), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy (tri-series only)

PAK vs NZ key battles:

Rachin Ravindra vs Shaheen Afridi:

This is one battle that could decide the course of the innings. While Rachin Ravindra will be keen to give his team a good start with the bat, Shaheen Afridi will be eyeing the same although with the ball. Ravindra has already shown that he has the game to excel in the subcontinent.

In the 2023 World Cup played in India, he had scored three centuries and two fifties. Last year, he also impressed with the bat during the Test series in India. New Zealand will be hoping that Ravindra continues his love affair with the subcontinent.

On the other hand, Pakistan will be hoping that Shaheen manages to dismiss Ravindra early. The left-arm pacer is lethal with the new ball and will be looking to make an impact early in the game.

Kane Williamson vs Haris Rauf:

Another battle that could decide the fate of the game. One of the best batsmen of this generation, Williamson will be leading New Zealand’s charge with the bat in challenging conditions. With no added responsibility of captaincy on his shoulders, Williamson will be playing freely and will look to start the series on a good note.

Pakistan will be hoping that Haris Rauf manages to get rid of Williamson early. Rauf is expected to bowl plenty of overs in the middle and he will be keen to make life difficult for Williamson.

Saud Shakeel vs Mitchell Santner:

Saud Shakeel has been in stunning form in recent times. It was his recent performances in Tests that helped him earn a recall from the ODI side. On the slow track of Gaddafi Stadium, he could be a key player for Pakistan. Saud has done well against spinners at home and will be looking to make a big impact in the game.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be relying on their captain Mitchell Santner to stop Saud from scoring big. One of the best white-ball bowlers in the world, Santner will be keen to lead his team from the front in the forthcoming game.

PAK vs NZ Key Players

PAK – Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi will be the key players for Pakistan.

NZ – Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Will Young, Mitchell Santner, and Lockie Ferguson will be the key players for New Zealand.

PAK vs NZ Weather And Pitch Report:

There is no forecast for rain during the upcoming PAK vs NZ ODI. The temperature will be hovering in the early 20s in the first half of the game and will be less than 20 degrees Celsius after the sunset.

The pitch is expected to be favorable for the batsmen and spinners can get some help, especially in the first innings. In the second innings, the spinners might struggle due to the presence of dew.

Conclusion:

With the Champions Trophy ahead, both Pakistan and New Zealand will be keen to do well in the tri-series. And both the teams will be keen to start the series on a winning note to get the early momentum.