![NZ vs PAK 1st ODI preview [Source: @ICC/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1743147564056_NZvsPAKPreview.jpg?type=mq)
NZ vs PAK 1st ODI preview [Source: @ICC/x.com]
The stage is set for yet another exciting ODI battle between cricketing heavyweights New Zealand and Pakistan. The two sides will collide in the first ODI of the three-match series on Saturday, March 29 at McLean Park, Napier.
Hosts, New Zealand, are coming into this clash with their tails up, having sealed the T20I series 4-1. They will aim to carry the winning momentum in the ODIs and clinch the series.
On the other hand, Pakistan are looking to hit the reset button after a turbulent run and will be bolstered by the return of their senior pros including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
NZ vs PAK Historical Overview In ODIs
The Kiwis and the Men in Green have had some legendary battles over the years. In total, New Zealand and Pakistan have locked horns 119 times in ODIs. Pakistan leads the head-to-head with 61 wins while New Zealand has won 54. Three games ended in no result, and one was tied. It’s been a neck-and-neck contest but recent history has tilted in New Zealand’s favour.
New Zealand and Pakistan Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand
Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke, Adithya Ashok, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears
Pakistan
Imam-ul-Haq (wk), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Agha Salman (c), Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem
Top Run-Scorers In NZ Vs PAK ODIs
We have considered batters from the current squads
Babar Azam: 1009 Runs
The elegant right-hander has been Pakistan’s run machine. In 23 ODIs against New Zealand, Babar Azam has racked up 1009 runs at a stellar average of 48.04 and a strike rate of 82.56 with 9 fifties and 2 centuries.
Daryl Mitchell: 546 Runs
Mitchell has been New Zealand’s Mr. Reliable against Pakistan. In just 11 ODIs, he has already scored 546 runs at an average of 49.63 and a strike rate of 92.85. He’s struck two hundreds and two fifties and proved to be a serious threat in the middle order.
Mohammad Rizwan: 411 Runs
Rizwan has quietly made his mark against New Zealand in ODIs. With 411 runs in 13 matches, averaging 45.66 and striking at 85.44 with three fifties, he has been consistent and composed, exactly what Pakistan need at the top.
Top Wicket-Takers In NZ Vs PAK ODIs
We have considered bowlers from the current squads
Naseem Shah: 17 Wickets
The young speedster has been electric against the Kiwis. In just 8 matches, Naseem Shah has taken 17 wickets at an average of 24.17 and an economy of 5.48 with a five-wicket haul to his name.
Haris Rauf: 14 Wickets
Rauf brings aggression and intensity to Pakistan’s bowling. He has 14 wickets in 10 ODIs vs New Zealand with best figures of 4/78. While his average (39.85) and economy (6.35) have room for improvement, he has the knack of picking crucial wickets when it matters.
Michael Bracewell: 9 Wickets
The Kiwi skipper has quietly made his impact with the ball. In 6 matches against Pakistan, Bracewell has taken 9 wickets at a tidy average of 26.00 and a miserly economy of 3.90.
NZ vs PAK Key Stats
New Zealand’s Key Records
- New Zealand have played 45 ODIs at McLean Park, winning 25, losing 15, with 2 ties and 1 no result.
- The Kiwis also have the upper hand in recent head-to-heads, having won their last three ODIs against Pakistan.
- Kane Williamson is the leading run-scorer in NZ vs PAK ODIs, with 1291 runs in 25 matches, though he won’t feature in this series.
Pakistan’s Key Records
- Pakistan don’t have the best record at McLean Park. Out of 7 ODIs played, they have won only 2 and lost 5.
- Pakistan has also lost their last three ODIs to the Black Caps.
- On the bowling front, Waqar Younis holds the record for most wickets in NZ vs PAK ODIs: 79 scalps in 37 games, a stat that’s stood the test of time.
Records Which Could Be Broken In NZ vs PAK 1st ODI
- Babar Azam needs 91 runs to complete 1100 runs vs New Zealand in ODIs.
- With 1009 runs, Babar needs 82 more to surpass Stephen Fleming (1090) and become the fourth-highest run-scorer in NZ vs PAK ODIs.
- Daryl Mitchell is just 54 runs short of 600 ODI runs vs Pakistan, a milestone well within reach.
- Mohammad Rizwan needs 89 runs to complete 500 ODI runs vs New Zealand.
- Haris Rauf, with 14 wickets, needs 4 more to surpass Naseem Shah (17) and become the top wicket-taker in NZ vs PAK ODIs from current squads.
 "Jatin")
