Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report For PAK Vs NZ Tri-Nation Series ODI Match

Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report [Source: @Rnawaz318/X.Com]

The stage is set as three strong sides are ready to take on each other in a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa will battle against each other in order to get prepared for the ICC tournament. The first ODI of the series will have the hosts, Pakistan up against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

One of the three venues for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Lahore, has been renovated and will host the first match as both the sided will be eager to start off the tournament with a resounding win. However, before the game commences, we look at how the pitch will behave for the contest.

Gaddafi Stadium Lahore stats and records in ODIs

Gaddafi Stadium Lahore: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

In ODIs, Pakistan generally prefer to have flat surfaces, and expect the trend to continue at the Gaddafi Stadium as run-feast is on the cards. There will be some movement for the bowlers early on, but the batters will have a great outing and expect a high-score between the two teams. There won't be square turn as witnessed in Tests between Pakistan and West Indies, but marginal turn could be there.

During Australia's tour of Pakistan in 2022, three ODIs were played at this venue and it produced high scoring encounter as even 348 was chased with utmost ease and several records were broken in that series.

Don't be surprised if something on the same line happens tomorrow between two sides who are batting heavy and have plenty of hitters in the side. Since it is a night game, the ball might even skid under lights, and the batters could be in for a treat. Hence, the toss winning captain might be tempted to bowl first and chase under lights.

Players to watch out at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore

Babar Azam

• The 50-over format is Babar Azam's best bet to return back to form and with a batting friendly strip on the cards, expect the star batter to score some important runs. Over the years, he has build a stellar record at the Gaddafi Stadium and with him potentially opening the batting alongside Fakhar Zaman, Babar will get ample time to score runs on a surface where he won't be troubled after the first 10 overs.

Rachin Ravindra

• The Kiwi all-rounder will not only be useful with the bat, but also with the ball in hand. On a surface expected to be a batting friendly, Rachin will showcase his power and has the ability to take on the bowlers with utmost ease. Plus, he might get few overs with the ball and if there is any sort of turn on offer, Rachin can make a huge impact.

Haris Rauf

• On such pitches where batters will enjoy their outing, you need a bowler who has that X-factor to trouble the batters and Haris Rauf is one of them. He has been in exceptional form in ODIs and has that express pace to unsettle the Kiwi batters as the ace pacer will look to try out barrage of bumpers.

(Apart from these players - Fakhar Zaman, Devon Conway and Shaheen Afridi can also do well).

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