The Pakistan and New Zealand cricket teams are set to face off in a five-match one-day international (ODI) series in preparation for the ICC World Cup 2023. The series will commence on April 27 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan, with the second match following two days later. The remaining three matches will be played in Karachi on May 3, 5, and 7.
The upcoming series will provide an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to refine its skills and strategies ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. Pakistan is scheduled to play in the Asia Cup in August and September, as well as three ODIs against Afghanistan, which will be crucial for their preparation for the mega event.
Pakistan and New Zealand have both qualified for the top eight teams of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. The Kiwis are currently at the top of the leaderboard, having won 16 out of 24 matches, while Pakistan is placed fifth with 13 wins out of 21 matches.
The Pakistan squad for the ODI series against New Zealand
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafiq, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ehsanullah, Imamul Haque, Muhammad Haris (wicket), Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, and Osama Mir.
The Pakistan team is banking on their strong batting lineup led by captain Babar Azam, who is currently ranked as the number one batsman in the ODI format. Azam’s top-order partner, Fakhar Zaman, is another key player to watch out for, having already scored a double century in ODI cricket.
Pakistan’s bowling attack is also expected to pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s batting lineup. The likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are all capable of producing wicket-taking deliveries and causing trouble for the Kiwi batsmen.
This five matches series of Pakistan and New Zealand promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. With both teams looking to gain valuable momentum ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, expect to see some thrilling cricketing action over the course of the five matches.
