New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, bringing in two fresh faces—Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas—to the national setup. With Kane Williamson resting, this series serves as a chance for emerging players to make an impact as the Black Caps continue to develop their depth in limited-overs cricket.
New Players Join the New Zealand Squad
As New Zealand prepares for a challenging ODI series, Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas have earned their maiden call-ups. Their performances in domestic cricket have impressed selectors, and both will be eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Nick Kelly: A Reliable Middle-Order Option
Nick Kelly, a 30-year-old left-handed batter, has been a standout performer in New Zealand’s domestic competitions. His ability to play spin effectively and stabilize the innings makes him a valuable addition.
Nick Kelly’s Domestic ODI Performance
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 1,850 | 41.11 | 88.75 | 147* |
Kelly’s experience and aggressive batting style could prove crucial for New Zealand’s middle order, especially in subcontinent conditions.
Muhammad Abbas: A Rising All-Rounder
Muhammad Abbas, a 21-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder, has shown immense potential in the domestic circuit. Originally from Pakistan, Abbas moved to New Zealand and quickly made a name for himself with his batting and off-spin.
Muhammad Abbas’ Domestic ODI Performance
| Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 970 | 38.80 | 28 | 26.50 |
With his dual skills, Abbas adds balance to the squad, giving New Zealand another spin option along with batting depth.
New Zealand Squad for Pakistan ODIs
With Kane Williamson missing, Tom Latham will lead a squad that blends experienced players with fresh talent.
New Zealand’s 15-Man 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 New Zealand’s long-term vision, focusing on player development while managing workload.
Why Kane Williamson is Not Playing?
New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson has been rested to manage his workload, ensuring he stays fresh for key international fixtures. After recovering from an injury, Williamson has been handling his schedule carefully.
| Player | Matches in 2024 | Average | Reason for Absence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kane Williamson | 11 | 45.80 | Workload Management |
Resting Williamson is a strategic move by New Zealand’s management to ensure his long-term fitness.
Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule
The five-match ODI series will take place across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
| 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 |
Pakistan, playing at home, will look to dominate while New Zealand’s young guns aim to prove their mettle.
Pakistan Squad for the Series
Pakistan has announced a full-strength squad, led by Babar Azam, aiming to capitalize on home conditions.
| 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 at full strength and New Zealand fielding a relatively young squad, this series promises to be a thrilling contest.
