Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st ODI

Preview

Pakistan and New Zealand will be facing each other in the first ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With the playing conditions expected to favor batting, this game is likely to witness a high-scoring contest.

The last T20I series between these two was tied 2-2 and now New Zealand will look to replicate their well-fought performance in the upcoming ODI series.

If Pakistan fails to win this series, then there might be serious questions raised about Babar’s captaincy. Therefore, it is important for Pakistan to win this series if they want to make a strong case for themselves in the upcoming World Cup.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Playing XI

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Haris Sohail, Agha Salman,Shadab Khan, Usama Mir/Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr/Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

New Zealand

Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Will Young/Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (capt), Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra/James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Henry Shipley

Teams H2H (Last 10 Games)

Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi (Last 10 List A Games)

Avg. 1st inning score: 302

Pace vs Spin

Record at Venue

Pakistan Batters (List A Records)

Pakistan Bowlers (List A Records)

Pakistan Top Picks

Babar Azam

Babar Azam proved to be a great choice for fantasy teams after his performance in the T20I series, scoring 130 runs in 4 innings. He also has a good average at the venue with the bat – 575 runs at an average of 82.14. His outstanding form was evidence of why he is one of the top picks for your fantasy teams.

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan scored 162 runs in 3 innings of the last T20I series, making him the leading scorer for his team. He will be batting in the middle order. He will provide additional points with his wicketkeeping.

Fakhar Zaman

Despite his ordinary last T20I series with only 64 runs in 3 innings, he will be returning to his favorable batting position. With a much higher average of 57.67, he has scored 519 runs in 9 innings at the same venue. He is an ideal choice to include in your fantasy teams as he is expected to open.

Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi has been in great form in the recent T20I series, picking up 6 wickets across 5 innings. He can take the new ball and bowl at the death, as well as chip in with some useful runs towards the end of an innings. The only concern is a slight drop in his bowling speed. He is a great option for fantasy teams due to his overall performance.

New Zealand Top Picks

Tom Latham

Tom Latham had a lackluster showing in the recent Twenty20 Internationals, managing only 116 runs in five innings. He will now return to the more familiar format of One Day Internationals, where he typically bats in the middle order. His prowess against spin bowling is well known and he stands to gain an advantage while facing two leg spinners during the middle overs.

Matt Henry

Matt Henry has been performing very well lately, having taken 6 wickets in the last T20I series with even a hat trick to his name. Moreover, he is a versatile player who can accommodate both new ball and death bowling tasks as well as contribute with the bat. Choosing him as part of your fantasy team becomes a no-brainer if New Zealand bowls first in the game.

Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell has not been performing at his best in the recent T20 series, with only 71 runs in 5 innings. However, he still has an impressive track record – having scored well against Sri Lanka previously. It would be beneficial to pick him as part of your fantasy team on a batting-friendly pitch, as he will likely be batting in the middle order.

Mark Chapman

Mark Chapman has had a remarkable series, displaying his skills with the bat and scoring 290 runs in 4 innings at an average of 290. His high point was his first T20I century in the last game. He deals very well with leg spin and left-arm orthodox bowlers and will take on Shadab, Nawaz, and Mir during the middle overs.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Differential Picks

Agha Salman

Agha Salman has put forward impressive performances when the New Zealand side visited in January, scoring 83 runs in 3 innings and taking two wickets. Additionally, he has played 11 games at this venue picking up 12 wickets and accumulating 245 runs.He will bat at six and his off-spin bowling will be used against lefties in the middle overs. He will be a great differentiating pick for your fantasy teams.

Henry Nicholls

Henry Nicholls has been in excellent form recently, scoring 200 in a Test and 44 in an ODI. He is known for his proficiency against spin bowling, something Pakistan will be utilizing two-leg spinners to exploit in the middle overs. His average leg spin score is 47 and he typically bats at 5 or 6.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Safe Captaincy Picks

Babar Azam

Mohammad Rizwan

Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan vs New Zealand Differential Captaincy Picks

Tom Latham

Mark Chapman

Pakistan vs New Zealand Fantasy XI:

WK: M Rizwan, T Latham

BAT: B Azam, D Mitchell, F Zaman, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls

AR:  Agha Salman

BOWL: S Afridi, M Henry, Haris Rauf

Disclaimer: This game involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk.