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New Zealand and Pakistan are set to clash in the first One Day International (ODI) of their series, following New Zealand’s dominant 4-1 victory in the T20I leg. The Kiwis have been in formidable form at home, while Pakistan will be bolstered by the return of key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, the absence of pace spearheads Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi could weigh heavily on the visitors. With Michael Bracewell leading the hosts in place of an injured Tom Latham, both teams will look to assert dominance in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs Pakistan (1st ODI) |
|---|---|
| Venue | McLean Park, Napier |
| Date & Time | 29th March 2025, 3:30 AM |
| Format | ODI |
| Series Status | First Match of Three-ODI Series |
Team Preview
New Zealand Preview
The Black Caps enter this series as firm favorites after dismantling Pakistan in the T20Is. Although they are missing Matt Henry and Tim Seifert, their squad depth remains strong. Captain Michael Bracewell will shoulder responsibility with the bat and in decision-making. Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, and Henry Nicholls are expected to play crucial roles in stabilizing the middle order. In the bowling department, Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke provide experience, while Ben Sears adds pace. The inclusion of Rhys Mariu offers a fresh face to watch out for.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan’s lineup sees the return of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, who need to rediscover their rhythm quickly. While Babar has struggled recently, his class cannot be underestimated. The middle order, featuring Salman Agha and Abdullah Shafique, must step up to support the top order. Without Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. will lead the pace attack. Spinners like Khushdil Shah may also play a vital role, especially if conditions favor turn later in the game.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons to Win |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | Strong recent performances, experienced bowlers, and familiarity with home conditions give them an edge. |
Why?
New Zealand’s consistency across formats makes them the favorites. Their batting lineup is balanced, and their bowlers thrive in home conditions. Despite Pakistan’s star power, their recent struggles make it hard to back them against a well-oiled Kiwi machine.
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Name | Role | Points Potential | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Bracewell | All-Rounder | High | Key batsman and captaincy bonus. |
| Daryl Mitchell | Batsman | High | Reliable middle-order contributor. |
| Babar Azam | Batsman | Medium-High | Classy player capable of big scores. |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper | High | Consistent performer with gloves. |
| Jacob Duffy | Bowler | High | Experienced death bowler. |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | Medium | Young pace sensation. |
| Mark Chapman | Batsman | Medium | Aggressive lower-order hitter. |
| Imam-ul-Haq | Batsman | Medium | Solid technique against spin. |
| Will O’Rourke | Bowler | Medium | Effective in shorter formats. |
| Salman Agha | All-Rounder | Medium | Handy contributions with bat and ball. |
| Ben Sears | Bowler | Medium | Adds variety with left-arm pace. |
Explanation:
This fantasy team combines reliable performers from both sides. Players like Bracewell and Rizwan offer leadership points, while bowlers like Duffy and Naseem Shah can exploit Napier’s conditions effectively.
Suggested Captains and Vice-Captains
| Role | Player Name | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Michael Bracewell | Likely to contribute significantly with bat and ball. |
| Vice-Captain | Daryl Mitchell | Dependable middle-order batter with high strike rate. |
Players to Avoid
| Player Name | Reason |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Recent poor form raises doubts about his impact. |
| Khushdil Shah | Struggles against disciplined bowling; inconsistent performances. |
Probable Playing XIs
| New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Hay (wk) | Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c) |
| Henry Nicholls | Babar Azam |
| Daryl Mitchell | Salman Agha |
| Nathan Smith | Abdullah Shafique |
| Mark Chapman | Imam-ul-Haq |
| Michael Bracewell (c) | Khushdil Shah |
| Muhammad Abbas | Tayyab Tahir |
| Ben Sears | Naseem Shah |
| Will O’Rourke | Mohammad Wasim |
| Jacob Duffy | Mohammad Ali |
| Adithya Ashok | Sufiyan Muqeem |
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at McLean Park is known for being batting-friendly, with some assistance for pacers early on. Temperatures will hover around 15°C, with minimal wind and zero chance of rain during the match. Expect a high-scoring encounter.
Toss Prediction
Teams generally prefer chasing in ODIs here due to the ease of scoring under lights. Hence, both captains might opt to bowl first .
Winner Prediction
While Pakistan brings star power, New Zealand’s all-round strength and home advantage make them our pick to win this match comfortably.
Final Verdict: New Zealand to Win!
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