PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Preview

Pakistan and New Zealand will square off in the first game of their three-match series in Karachi on January 9. PAK vs NZ, Pakistan’s disastrous home Test season came to a close with a 0-0 draw in the second Test against New Zealand on Friday. Babar Azam and Co could have very easily succumbed to their third successive home series defeat if not for Sarfaraz Ahmed’s masterful century in the fourth innings. Babar is under some pressure to step down as the skipper of Pakistan and an ODI series win against the Kiwis will go a long way in saving his captaincy.

PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Details

Pakistan vs New Zealand – 1st ODI

Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

Date & Time: 09th January 2023 at 03:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network

PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Pitch Report

The wicket and the conditions at the National Stadium will provide a competitive track that will have enough for both the batsmen and bowlers. The pace bowlers will have some help during the first few overs and a lot under the lights during the second innings.

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update

Also Read: IND vs SL: Suryakumar Yadav ton powers India to T20 series win over Sri Lanka

PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Tom Latham, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shan Masood, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Wasim, Agha Salman

Topmost Picks for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction, 1st ODI:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Tom Latham- The keeper-batter hit 145 not out, his highest ODI score, in his last game in this format, against India in late November.

• Tim Southee- Although the pitches and conditions are not usually conducive to swing bowling, Southee will be a big threat if he is able to bowl in humid conditions in the second half of the match.

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Babar Azam- The skipper is an exceptional player across all formats and scored four centuries in five ODI innings from July 2021 – June 2022.

• Haris Rauf- The quick bowler missed the majority of the Tests against England and New Zealand through injury but has an excellent international white ball record.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Devon Conway(VC), Kane Williamson, Babar Azam(C), Imam-ul Haq, Glenn Phillips, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team:

Tom Latham, Mohammad Rizwan(VC), Kane Williamson(C), Babar Azam, Imam-ul Haq, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Babar Azam, Kane Williamson

Vice-captain – Mohammad Rizwan, Devon Conway

Wicketkeeper – Tom Latham

PAK vs NZ 1st ODI Probable winners:

New Zealand adapted very well to the local conditions during the Test series. But they will have to readjust again in this format. Pakistan’s batters are very consistent in this format and they could hold the key to the result. Although the Test series finished 0-0. It was very entertaining with the final game still undecided heading into the last over before bad light intervened. The two sides are very well matched and we expect a close series as well as a close opening fixture. Pakistan have the advantage of home conditions and their batters have all made plenty of ODI runs on these pitches. Considering the team combination, Pakistan is expected to win this match.