NZ vs PAK: New Zealand Call-Up Two Uncapped Players For Pakistan ODIs

New Zealand have announced their squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan starting from March 29. The matches will be played on March 29, April 2 and April 5.

The T20I series is still ongoing between the two teams. The Kiwis are leading the series 3-1 with the final T20I to be played in Wellington on March 26.

New Zealand and Pakistan played each other in the Champions Trophy before this white-ball series. Pakistan lost there as well and was eliminated from the tournament inside the first week. Notably, they were the hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Young Kiwi Side Ready To Upset Pakistan

Meanwhile, with the senior players from the New Zealand team busy playing in the IPL, the selectors have named the uncapped duo of Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan at home. Kelly has been rewarded for his consistency across formats in domestic cricket.

The 31-year-old is all set to open the batting for New Zealand in the series alongside Will Young in the absence of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra who are on IPL duty. Meanwhile, Muhammad Abbas is a 21-year-old all-rounder of Pakistan origin. He has been included in the side for his consistent performances in the Ford Trophy.

The side has a few new faces. Leg-spinner Adi Ashok who made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2023 was included as well. Among the senior players, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner and are unavailable for the series. While Santner is busy playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Williamson is in India for a commentary gig in IPL 2025.

NZ Chief Selector Praises Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas

There are a few injury concerns as well. Matt Henry who missed the Champions Trophy final owing to an injury is currently recovering. Kyle Jamieson is also rested for the series as part of player workload management. Tom Latham will lead the squad in Santner's absence.

"With a group of regular ODI players unavailable, we have a selected group of high-potential players who are now ready for opportunities at international level. With the next ICC ODI pinnacle event still two and half years away, the series is a perfect opportunity to introduce, or re-introduce in the case of Adi, these players to international cricket now" said head selector Sam Wells.

"Nick has been the standout domestic batsman the last few seasons. He is a dynamic stroke maker with power, and he can bat anywhere in the top six. Mo is one of our most promising young batters and he also provides a sixth bowling option which is required in the absence of Rachin (Ravindra) and Glenn (Phillips). It's nice to be welcoming Adi back into the group again after having a taste of international cricket a couple of years ago. "His performances for Auckland have been impressive. His accuracy in the middle overs is a valuable skill set he can bring to the team and now is a good time to give him some more valuable international experience" Wells added further.

New Zealand Squad For Pakistan ODIs: Tom Latham (C), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young

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