New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st ODI Prediction, Dream11 Prediction, Betting Tips, Playing XI, Pitch & Weather Report

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The New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st ODI promises an exciting contest as both teams look to start the series on a high note. New Zealand, playing at home in McLean Park, Napier, hold a strong advantage, while Pakistan will rely on their experienced batters to counter the Kiwi bowling attack.

Match Details

Match	New Zealand vs Pakistan
Date	Saturday, 29th March 2025
Time	3:30 AM (IST)
Venue	McLean Park, Napier
Series	Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025

Team Previews

New Zealand Preview

New Zealand enters the ODI series against Pakistan in high spirits, having recently dominated the T20I series 4-1. Despite missing some key players, they have a well-balanced squad with a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Playing in home conditions gives them a significant edge, and they will look to extend their winning momentum into the 50-over format.

Squad Strength and Key Players

• Michael Bracewell (Captain) – Bracewell’s leadership and all-round abilities make him a crucial player. He will be expected to lead from the front, both with the bat and the ball.
• Mark Chapman – A consistent performer in ODIs, Chapman’s form will be vital for anchoring the middle order.
• Daryl Mitchell – One of the most reliable players in the New Zealand squad, Mitchell can play both anchor and aggressor roles, making him a key batsman.
• Rhys Mariu – The uncapped opener could get a chance due to Will Young’s absence (paternity leave). He will be eager to make an impact.

Bowling Attack

New Zealand boasts a formidable bowling lineup, even with the absence of some senior players.

• Jacob Duffy – Having bowled tight lines in the T20I series, Duffy is expected to be New Zealand’s key bowler in the ODIs as well.
• Adithya Ashok – A promising young spinner who has performed well in domestic cricket. He will be crucial in controlling the middle overs.
• Will O’Rourke & Ben Sears – Both pacers have the ability to generate extra bounce and pace, which will trouble Pakistan’s batters.

Recent ODI Form & Team Confidence

• New Zealand is currently ranked 4th in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings with a rating of 105.
• They recently reached the Finals of the ICC Champions Trophy, but lost to India in the title match.
• Given their recent dominance in white-ball cricket, they enter this series as favorites, especially with home conditions on their side.

Key Factors for New Zealand’s Success

✅ Top-order stability – If Chapman and Mitchell provide a solid platform, the middle order can capitalize.
✅ Spin effectiveness – Ashok and Bracewell must control the middle overs.
✅ Death bowling execution – Duffy and O’Rourke will need to be sharp in the final overs to restrict Pakistan’s strong finishers.

Pakistan Preview

Pakistan enters this series with uncertain form, having struggled in major tournaments recently. Despite an ODI series win against Australia before the Champions Trophy, they failed to reach the semifinals of the mega event. However, they still have a strong team, and their ability to perform in pressure situations makes them a dangerous side.

Squad Strength and Key Players

• Mohammad Rizwan (Captain) – With his leadership responsibilities, Rizwan will need to balance tactical decision-making while also anchoring the batting lineup.
• Babar Azam – One of the best ODI batters in the world, Babar hasn’t been in great form recently but is always a big-game player.
• Abdullah Shafique – A technically sound batter, Shafique will look to provide stability at the top.
• Imam-ul-Haq & Tayyab Tahir – Both players are capable of scoring big runs, and their performance will be key in Pakistan’s middle order.

Bowling Attack

Pakistan’s bowling lineup has seen major changes with the absence of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. This presents an opportunity for young pacers to step up.

• Abrar Ahmed – A mystery spinner who has been in outstanding form recently. He will be Pakistan’s main spin weapon.
• Sufiyan Muqeem – A rising spin talent, Muqeem impressed in the final T20I of the series and will be one to watch.
• Mohammad Wasim Jr & Naseem Shah – Both pacers have the ability to generate pace and swing, making them crucial in New Zealand’s seaming conditions.
• Akif Javed & Mohammad Ali – These bowlers add depth to Pakistan’s pace attack, and their performance in the death overs will be critical.

Recent ODI Form & Team Confidence

• Pakistan is ranked 3rd in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings with a rating of 106.
• Despite their high ranking, they have been inconsistent in ODIs and struggled in crucial matches.
• The absence of key players and playing in New Zealand’s home conditions make this series an uphill battle.

Key Factors for Pakistan’s Success

✅ Babar Azam’s form – If he can get back to scoring big runs, Pakistan’s batting will be much stronger.
✅ Spin bowling impact – Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem need to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batters.
✅ Death-over finishing – With Rizwan and power-hitters like Khushdil Shah, Pakistan must ensure they maximize runs in the last 10 overs.

Squads & Probable XI

New Zealand Squad

Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Nick Kelly, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Adithya Ashok

Pakistan Squad

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem

Probable Playing XI

New Zealand:

1. Mitchell Hay (wk)
2. Henry Nicholls
3. Michael Bracewell (c)
4. Mark Chapman
5. Daryl Mitchell
6. Nick Kelly
7. Nathan Smith
8. Will O’Rourke
9. Jacob Duffy
10. Ben Sears
11. Adithya Ashok

Pakistan:

1. Imam-ul-Haq
2. Abdullah Shafique
3. Babar Azam
4. Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
5. Salman Agha
6. Khushdil Shah
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Naseem Shah
9. Mohammad Wasim Jr.
10. Abrar Ahmed
11. Sufiyan Muqeem

New Zealand vs Pakistan Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction

Player	Role	Team
Babar Azam (C)	Batsman	PAK
Daryl Mitchell (VC)	All-rounder	NZ
Mohammad Rizwan	WK-Batsman	PAK
Mark Chapman	Batsman	NZ
Imam-ul-Haq	Batsman	PAK
Michael Bracewell	All-rounder	NZ
Naseem Shah	Bowler	PAK
Jacob Duffy	Bowler	NZ
Will O’Rourke	Bowler	NZ
Abrar Ahmed	Bowler	PAK
Nathan Smith	All-rounder	NZ

Fantasy Tips:

• Captain Pick: Babar Azam (Consistent run-scorer)
• Vice-Captain Pick: Daryl Mitchell (Explosive batting + bowling)
• Must-Have Players: Mohammad Rizwan, Mark Chapman
• Players to Avoid: Khushdil Shah (inconsistent), Nick Kelly (unproven)

Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts

Favourite Team – New Zealand (Why?)

New Zealand has a strong home record (5-1 vs Pakistan at McLean Park) and a well-balanced side. Pakistan’s inexperienced bowling and shaky middle-order make them underdogs.

New Zealand ODI History

Played: 839 | Won: 387 | Lost: 402 | NR: 44 | Known for aggressive cricket, strong at home.

Pakistan ODI History

Played: 984 | Won: 520 | Lost: 435 | NR: 21 | Unpredictable but dangerous, relies on top-order batting.

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches	NZ Won	PAK Won	Tied	NR
119	54	61	1	3

At McLean Park, Napier: NZ leads 5-1

Also Check: Pakistan vs New Zealand Head to Head in ODI – Records, Team & Players Stats

Pitch Report

• Batting-friendly, high-scoring ground
• Fast bowlers get early movement
• Spinners effective in middle overs

Ground Records and Statistics – Statistical Overview

City	Napier
Country	New Zealand
Matches Played	45
Matches Won Batting First	17 (35.42%)
Matches Won Batting Second	25 (52.08%)
Matches Won Winning Toss	23 (47.92%)
Matches Won Losing Toss	19 (39.58%)
Matches Tied	2 (4.44%)
Matches with No Result	1 (2.22%)
Highest Individual Innings	141*	R T Ponting (Australia)	05/03/2005 v New Zealand
Best Bowling	5/30	M Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)	31/01/2001 v New Zealand
Highest Team Innings	373/8 (New Zealand)		09/02/2012 v Zimbabwe
Lowest Team Innings	98 (New Zealand)		23/12/2023 v Bangladesh
Highest Run Chase Achieved	289/3 (Sri Lanka)		28/12/2006 v New Zealand
Average Runs per Wicket	31.21
Average Runs per Over	5.00
Average Score Batting First	224

Weather Report

• Clear skies, no rain expected
• Temperature: 18-24°C | Humidity: 65%

Toss Prediction

• Pakistan to win toss & bowl first (Chasing preferred in ODIs here)

Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.

FAQ – NZ vs PAK 1st ODI

Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.

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