Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st ODI: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

Team Pakistan | Source: Twitter

After a few disastrous Test series, Pakistan will now square off against New Zealand in the first ODI of their three-match series in Karachi on January 9.  

The three-match ODI series is part of the ODI Championship Super League, and Pakistan and New Zealand will see crucial points from the three outings. 

New Zealand are currently placed second in the table and have a good track record in ODIs, while Pakistan are placed sixth. So, they will surely look to make it to the top five. 

Speaking of the team combination, New Zealand look pretty settled at the moment, with Kane Williamson returning at the helm. Meanwhile, Pakistan has a lot to ponder ahead of the series opener. 

The middle order of Men in Green looks quite fragile, while their pace attack looks pretty strong, with the likes of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah returning to the white-ball setup. 

All in all, with some of the star white-ball players taking the field against each other, a cracking 50-over contest beckons in Karachi on Monday. 

Match Details

Date and Time: January 9, 03:00 PM IST
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV App 

Pitch Report

The surface at Karachi is expected to be a batting friendly one, allowing batters to rack up runs here. There will be some turn-on offer for the spinners while pacers have to rely on variations to scalp wickets. Batting first seems to be a good option here. 

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips 

Wicket-Keeper: Tom Latham, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Devon Conway 
All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner, Mohammad Nawaz
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

Captain: Tom Latham 
Vice-Captain: Babar Azam

Prediction 

New Zealand will fancy their chances of winning this match but thanks to Pakistan's fiery bowling unit, a riveting contest beckons in Karachi. 

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