New Zealand Squad For Pakistan ODIs Announced; Pakistan-Born Player Included

For the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan at home, New Zealand has selected a 13-man squad. Eight players from the Champions Trophy squad are part of the team, which is captained by veteran wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham. A few players are not playing because of their IPL obligations.

Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner, the full-time captain, are all participating in the IPL 2025 at the moment.

Kyle Jamieson has been rested to manage the workload as Matt Henry recovers from an injury. For personal reasons, star Kane Williamson has also chosen to give the series a miss.

Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly new names in New Zealand squad

Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas, two cricketers from Wellington, have been called up for the ODI team for the first time. Kelly's performance in domestic cricket has been exceptional. With 749 runs, including four hundreds, the 31-year-old cricket player is at the top of the Plunket Shield run-scoring standings.

Abbas had a fantastic Ford Trophy season, playing for New Zealand A versus Australia A. Against the Central Stags in February, he achieved his first List A century (104) and amassed 340 runs at an average of 42.50. Born in Pakistan, Abbas and his family relocated to New Zealand when he was just one year old.

Will O Rourke to lead the pace attack

With veteran bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson not available, Will O'Rourke will spearhead the speed attack. The quick bowling group includes Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and Jacob Duffy. After taking a short sabbatical to manage his workload, O'Rourke recently returned for the final two Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan.

Adi Ashok, a leg-spinner who made his debut for his country against Bangladesh in December 2023, has been called up for his second ODI.

Talented group ready for international cricket: Sam Wells

Kiwi selector Sam Wells said that this series will be an ideal chance to test young players, with the next ODI World Cup still over two years away. Wells highlighted that the young players are now ready for international opportunities.

“With a group of regular ODI players unavailable, we have a selected group of high-potential players who are now ready for opportunities at the 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,” Well said.

"Nick has been the standout domestic batsman the last few seasons. He is a dynamic strokemaker 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),” he added.

New Zealand and Pakistan will play 3 ODIs on March 26, 29, and April 2 at Napier, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui, respectively.

New Zealand ODI squad for Pakistan series: 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

ICYMI | Our 13-strong squad for the upcoming Chemist Warehouse ODI series against Pakistan starting in Napier on Wednesday 🏏 #NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/KxLBFx1X0U

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 24, 2025

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