Cricket: Pakistan vs New Zealand – ODI Series
1st ODI – Pakistan vs New Zealand – Karachi National Stadium
Following an incredible Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand, the two sides go at it again in what should be an incredible ODI Series. Home advantage can often be important in the white-ball format of the game, especially in a cricket-mad nation such as Pakistan and a return of international cricket to the country in recent series against England and now the Kiwis, has been a huge success. New Zealand meanwhile have long been seen as one of the best sides in white-ball cricket, exemplified by their run to the 2019 ODI World Cup Final and their form has been consistent ever since.
Match Preview: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Match Winner Odds:
Team Previews
Pakistan
When it comes to international cricket, few sides are as enigmatic as Pakistan, and they will bang up for this challenge at home to New Zealand. Having reached the final of the T20 World Cup and losing out to England, they will be all out to make a good start to 2023 here.
Captain Babar Azam has been in great nick in recent weeks, and he remains one of the most influential players in world cricket. Shan Masood and Fakhar Zaman will be keeping it ticking over in the middle order, with Mohammad Rizwan in the side to provide a dynamic edge. For all their strengths with the bat in hand, it is in the bowling department that Pakistan are blessed too. Shaheen Afridi misses out in this series through injury, but the likes of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will step up in this one.
New Zealand
A return to the familiarity of white ball cricket could benefit New Zealand who need a pick me up following a relatively disappointing season in 2022. They came up short in the T20 World Cup, despite hammering Australia in their opening game and they will be eager to put in some good performances in 50 over cricket. Captain Kane Williamson will be flanked by the likes of Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips, whilst opener Finn Allen looks to have a real X factor at international level. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell can take the game away from any side with both bat and ball in the spin department, whilst Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry complete a fierce looking pace attack.
Match Betting Tips
Top Pakistan Batsman – Babar Azam – 28/10
Captain Babar Azam has been piling up the runs in the Test arena and he should be primed and ready for this exciting white ball series.
Top New Zealand Batsman – Devon Conway – 33/10
Fluent opener Devon Conway has quickly developed into one of the best players in ODI cricket and he looks set for a score here.
Top Pakistan Bowler – Haris Rauf – 28/10
Pace and seam movement should come in handy in the powerplays here and Haris Rauf has both in abundance.
Top New Zealand Bowler – Tim Southee – 28/10
Kiwi Tim Southee has been operating at the top end of international cricket for the best part of 15 years and his experience should come in handy for New Zealand here.
Pakistan to win the match – 7/10
Getting off to a good start in any series is key and in front of their home fans in Karachi, Pakistan should get off on the right foot in this enthralling ODI series.
