Pakistan vs. New Zealand ODI Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Pakistan vs. New Zealand ODI Date: Saturday, February 8
BetXchange Pakistan vs. New Zealand ODI Odds:
History
There is just something fun about a classic Tri-Nation Series on the cricket oval. That is what we have here, with Pakistan hosting New Zealand and South Africa over a series of ODIs over the next week.
Pakistan is hosting the series. The first match will be on Saturday when they take on New Zealand in Lahore. The Black Caps will then face the Proteas at the same venue on Monday. On Wednesday, South Africa will visit the National Stadium in Karachi to face Pakistan.
The final is on Friday, Valentine’s Day. The top two teams in the points table will meet to decide the winner of this quick Tri-Nation Series. Typically, these series would have two matches between each country. However, this isn’t in play here because the SA20 concludes on Saturday, and the ICC Champions Trophy begins on February 19.
The Champions Trophy gives this series context, with the top eight ODI international teams playing in Pakistan and the UAE through the beginning of March.
This is a throwback event. The last ODI tri was in 2019, while Pakistan hasn’t hosted one since 2004. This is primarily due to the addition of the T20I game, where two countries can now play white-ball cricket against each other in multiple formats without needing another country to liven up the matches.
Pakistan
Pakistan will be hopeful that opener Fakhar Zaman is as deadly against New Zealand as usual. Sometimes, players find extra gear against a particular opponent, and that is how Zaman has been against the Black Caps throughout his career.
Zaman was the difference in a 2023 World Cup match in Bangalore, something that has remained on the mind of New Zealand’s players ever since.
New Zealand
New Zealand will name its lineup at the last minute. This is due to the fitness of pacer Lockie Ferguson, a vital part of their bowling rotation, who is doubtful due to injury. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has been flown in as a backup and potential replacement.
Kane Williamson’s bat will be as crucial as ever in the middle order, especially if the Black Caps lose wickets early.
Best Bets
Pakistan defeated New Zealand 4-1 the last time the two countries played an ODI series in Pakistan. This was a reversal of the norm, as New Zealand had won or drawn the other six series since 2014, regardless of location.
Spinners could be necessary as this batting-friendly pitch is typical of what you find on the subcontinent. It plays slow, meaning the seamers and swing bowlers will find it hard to zip balls past the batsmen. To succeed as a pacer on this surface, a bowler has to be true in his line and length.
I like Pakistan to hold serve here and win at home. I would be amazed if the match were particularly high-scoring, so look for Pakistan to frustrate New Zealand with their spinners, regardless of whether they bat first or second.
