New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st ODI Match Preview, Prediction and Live Streaming

That they are set to play their preferred format might give Pakistan some solace, especially after the drubbing they received from New Zealand in the T20I series. But the memory of how they abysmally fell short of putting a respectable performance in the same format at their own home, just a few weeks ago, is still too fresh to let them wander too far into wishful thinking. Then again, what could be worse than a 4-1 back-to-back series loss?

Even if they were to look past the botched Champions Trophy campaign on their home soil, they can not ignore that, besides themselves, one of the chief architects of their recent downfall was none other than New Zealand. That they last played an ODI game in New Zealand nearly seven years ago hardly offers any relief.

But despite the abundant number of things that need explaining, it’s peculiar how much this series does and does not matter. Some of New Zealand’s regulars are away for the IPL. Many of those who are here are waiting to board the flight to Pakistan for PSL. And both sides do not play an ODI game for months after this series. With this as the backdrop, if Pakistan do achieve some reprieve, would it matter as much?

Team Overview:

For whatever it’s worth, Pakistan will have their ‘regulars’ back in the side. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah have joined the team in Napier, looking to make amends for the Champions Trophy debacle.

Will Pakistan persist with Babar at the top in the absence of a more compact option, especially with Imam-ul-Haq doubtful for the first game due to an injury scare? Babar is the only player from the squad that last played an ODI in New Zealand. While he was not too impressive during that early-career tour, his recent performances in other formats here has been very imposing. Abdullah Shafique could partner with him at the top, though his recent form offers little help to his case.

Pakistan’s bowling remains just as concerning. Sufiyan Muqeem was perhaps the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal T20I series, but Pakistan will likely have to choose between him and Abrar. As for the pace attack, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Ali, and Naseem Shah seem the most probable trio to start the series.

Kane Williamson made himself unavailable for the tour to have a breather amidst a busy schedule. Tom Latham fractured his hand. And Will Young will only play the first ODI game before he leaves for his paternity leave. New Zealand have a lot of patchwork to do. For the first game, Young is likely to open with the debutant Nick Kelly and Mark Chapman could come in at the first fall. There will be more thinking to do to gather a solid middle-order. The bowling attack picks itself but it needs to be seen if the Kiwis opt to draft in a spinner in place of their fourth pacer.

Head-to-Head Matches:

Out of 119 ODI games both teams faced each other, Pakistan outdid the Kiwis in 61 matches, while New Zealand managed to get back at them in 54. Four games ended without any result. The last time Pakistan defeated the hosts on their home soil was in 2011, which should add to their woes.

Weather and Pitch Report:

Napier has short square boundaries and a generously flat surface. So, there should be plenty of runs on offer. The weather is expected to stay clear of rain, so there likely won’t be any interference to a potential run galore at McLean Park.