Zafar Iqbal
Introduction
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first against Pakistan in the opening match of the ODI tri-series, which also includes South Africa. The match, being played in Lahore, holds significant importance as all three teams prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. This series offers them an opportunity to assess conditions and fine-tune their strategies.
Toss and Team Decisions
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to set a target, believing that batting first on a typically flat Lahore pitch would provide an advantage. He emphasized the importance of familiarizing themselves with Pakistani conditions ahead of the Champions Trophy.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted he would have preferred to bat first as well. Pakistan’s lineup saw a significant change with Babar Azam opening alongside Fakhar Zaman, marking Babar’s return to the opening role in ODIs after nearly a decade.
Playing XIs
Pakistan:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk)
- Tayyab Tahir
- Salman Ali Agha
- Khushdil Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (capt)
- Ben Sears
- Matt Henry
- Will O’Rourke
Match Highlights
Shaheen Afridi Strikes Early
Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi made an immediate impact, dismissing an opener in his opening spell. His ability to generate movement under lights has been a crucial factor for Pakistan’s dominance in home conditions.
Abrar Ahmed’s Spin Magic
Pakistan’s only frontline spinner, Abrar Ahmed, played a pivotal role in breaking New Zealand’s momentum. His dismissal of Rachin Ravindra showcased his growing reputation as a match-winner in spin-friendly conditions.
New Zealand’s Balanced Bowling Attack
Despite the absence of Lockie Ferguson due to injury, New Zealand boasts a formidable pace attack featuring Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Matt Henry. Their combination of pace and swing provides a well-rounded bowling attack suited for subcontinental pitches.
Significance of This Tri-Series
The ODI tri-series format, once a staple in international cricket, has become increasingly rare. Pakistan last hosted a tri-series in 2004, and globally, the format has not been featured since 2019. This makes the ongoing series unique, offering teams a rare opportunity for competitive preparation before a major ICC event.
Unlike traditional tri-series formats that feature multiple rounds of matches before the final, this edition is condensed due to scheduling constraints. With the SA20 league and the Champions Trophy around the corner, each game in this series carries added significance.
Pakistan’s Squad Strategy
Pakistan’s squad selection suggests a clear intent to rely on a seam-heavy attack. The inclusion of three frontline pacers—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf—indicates their preference for pace over spin, with Abrar Ahmed being the sole specialist spinner. Salman Ali Agha provides additional part-time spin support.
On the batting front, the decision to open with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman is a crucial experiment. The team management is keen to test this combination ahead of the Champions Trophy squad finalization deadline on February 11.
New Zealand’s Approach and Challenges
New Zealand enters this series with a squad nearly identical to their Champions Trophy lineup. However, they face challenges in subcontinental conditions, as seen in their recent 2-0 series defeat against Sri Lanka. Their decision to bat first reflects a strategy to counteract Pakistan’s potent pace attack under the lights.
Having played extensively in Pakistan over the past two years, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, New Zealand has an advantage in understanding local conditions. However, their lack of a settled combination could be a challenge.
Table: Match Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Match | Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st ODI Tri-Series |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Date | February 8, 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Toss Result | New Zealand won the toss, elected to bat |
| Pakistan Captain | Mohammad Rizwan |
| New Zealand Captain | Mitchell Santner |
| Playing Conditions | Day-Night, flat pitch |
| Significance | Preparation for Champions Trophy |
Conclusion
The tri-series opener between Pakistan and New Zealand is more than just another ODI—it is a crucial preparatory ground for both teams ahead of the Champions Trophy. New Zealand’s decision to bat first highlights their intent to set strong targets, while Pakistan’s experimental opening partnership aims to finalize their best XI. With each match carrying significant weight in shaping strategies, this tri-series will provide essential insights into team compositions and performances leading up to one of the biggest events in world cricket.
