NZ vs PAK Match Preview 1st ODI: New Zealand will look to continue their dominance at home as they face Pakistan in the 1st ODI of the series at McLean Park, Napier. After winning the T20I series 4-1, the hosts enter this match with confidence, but Pakistan will be strengthened by the return of star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
However, the absence of key pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf could make things difficult for the visitors. With both teams eager to start strong, this match promises an exciting battle.
Let’s look at the match preview, team analysis, and predicted playing XI.
NZ vs PAK 1st ODI Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st ODI |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 29 March 2025, 03:30 AM (IST) |
| Venue | McLean Park, Napier |
| Live Streaming | FanCode (India), Spark Sport (NZ), PTV Sports (Pakistan) |
| Match Status | 1st match ODI Series |
Recent Form
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | L – W – L – W – W |
| Pakistan | L – L – L – W – L |
New Zealand won the recently concluded T20I series 4-1, proving their dominance at home. While Pakistan struggled in the T20I series, the return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will boost their chances in the ODI format.
Head-to-Head (Last 3 Matches)
| Matches | NZ Won | PAK Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
New Zealand has a strong record against Pakistan in recent ODIs, including a 60-run victory in the ICC Champions Trophy clash on February 19, 2025.
NZ vs PAK Match Preview- 1st ODI
Team – New Zealand
New Zealand dominated the T20I series 4-1 and will aim to continue their winning momentum in ODIs. Although they are missing key players like Tom Latham and Matt Henry, the team remains strong under the leadership of Michael Bracewell.
Key Players:
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mark Chapman
- Michael Bracewell
- Jacob Duffy
NZ Predicted Playing XI:
Mitchell Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Nathan Smith, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell (c), Muhammad Abbas, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Adithya Ashok
Also Check: NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head Record 1st ODI
Team – Pakistan
Pakistan welcomes back two of their biggest stars, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, which will strengthen their batting lineup. However, missing key pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi might weaken their bowling attack.
Key Players:
- Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
- Babar Azam
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Naseem Shah
PAK Predicted Playing XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (wk) (c), Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem
NZ vs PAK Pitch & Weather Report
Napier Pitch Report
- Batting-friendly surface.
- High-scoring matches expected.
- Pacers might get some movement in the early overs.
Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 12-18°C throughout the match.
- Rain: Minimal chance of rain.
- Wind: Light breeze from various directions.
Toss Prediction: Both teams might opt to bat first to set a big total.
NZ vs PAK 1st ODI Winning Prediction
Pakistan has been strengthened by the return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but their recent poor form across all formats raises concerns. New Zealand, even with a few missing players, remains strong in home conditions.
Prediction: New Zealand to win the 1st ODI!
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