The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) has announced its ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan, starting March 29. With several key players missing due to IPL commitments, this series will be a golden opportunity for some new faces to make their mark on the international stage.
Fresh Blood in the BLACKCAPS
One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of two uncapped players—Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas.
Nick Kelly – The 31-year-old has had a sensational domestic season for the Wellington Firebirds. He has been a run machine across all formats, scoring 1,307 runs this season.
He also leads the Plunket Shield charts with 749 runs, including four centuries. With his ability to anchor the innings, Kelly is expected to open alongside Will Young.
Muhammad Abbas – The 21-year-old all-rounder had a standout Ford Trophy campaign, scoring 340 runs at an average of 42.50. His maiden List A century (104) in February turned heads.
Abbas, born in Pakistan, moved to New Zealand as a child and is now a rising white-ball star. His left-arm seam bowling adds variety to the squad, making him a valuable asset.
A Balanced Mix of Youth and Experience
With the likes of Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips unavailable due to the IPL, New Zealand has opted for a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent.
Tom Latham will captain the side and handle wicket-keeping duties, while Michael Bracewell, leading the ongoing T20I series, will serve as the spin-bowling all-rounder..
Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell will bring stability to the middle order, where as Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, and Ben Sears will form the pace attack.
The 22-year-old leg-spinner Adi Ashok also gets another shot at international cricket. Having made his debut against Bangladesh in December 2023, he will look to cement his place in the New Zealand setup.
One of the major headlines is the absence of Kane Williamson. The experienced batter has made himself unavailable, leaving a big gap in the batting order. However, this presents a huge opportunity for players like Nick Kelly and Mitch Hay to step up.
ODI Series Schedule
📅 March 29 – 1st ODI, McLean Park, Napier
📅 April 2 – 2nd ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton
📅 April 5 – 3rd ODI, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
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