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The Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st ODI match is set to be an exciting clash as both teams kick off the Tri-Nation Series in Lahore. The match will be held on Saturday, 8th February 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. With both teams looking to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest. Let’s dive into the details, team previews, and predictions to find out who might come out on top.
Table of content
- 1 Match Details
- 2 Team Previews
- 3 Pakistan Preview
- 4 New Zealand Preview
- 5 PAK vs NZ Squad
- 6 Dream11 Prediction for Today Pakistan vs New Zealand
- 7 Favourite Team in Today’s Match
- 8 Pakistan ODI History
- 9 New Zealand ODI History
- 10 Head-to-Head Stats
- 11 Pitch Report
- 12 Weather Report
- 13 Toss Prediction:
- 14 Match Prediction?
- 15 FAQ – PAK vs NZ 1st ODI
- 16 Match Summary
- 17 Share this:
- 18 Like this:
- 19 Related
Match Details
| Match | Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st ODI, Tri-Nation Series 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 8th February 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM (Local Time) |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Broadcast | Live Streaming on Fancode, Sony Sports Network |
Team Previews
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan will be looking to dominate the Tri-Nation Series with their formidable pace attack and strong batting lineup. Playing in their home conditions, they are clear favorites to start the tournament with a win. The team has been in exceptional ODI form, recently whitewashing South Africa 3-0 in an ODI series.
Pace Attack – Pakistan’s Strength
Pakistan’s fast-bowling unit will be their biggest weapon, especially on a hard and bouncy wicket. The team is expected to unleash a four-pronged pace attack, featuring:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi with the new ball, looking for early breakthroughs.
- Naseem Shah offering both pace and control.
- Haris Rauf bringing aggression and express speed.
- Mohammad Hasnain stepping in as a dangerous first-change bowler.
This attack has the ability to dismantle any batting lineup, but the challenge will be maintaining discipline and avoiding leaking runs against set batters.
Batting Lineup – A Mix of Experience & Firepower
Pakistan’s batting unit, despite its strength, will rely on Babar Azam rediscovering his form. He has been going through a lean patch, but this match presents a perfect opportunity for him to regain confidence ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Alongside him, the team will depend on:
- Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s most consistent ODI batter in recent years.
- Mohammad Rizwan, who provides stability and leadership.
- Saud Shakeel and Umran Khan, who add depth to the batting order.
If Pakistan’s top order clicks, they have the ability to pile on a huge total against New Zealand.
Current ODI Rankings & Recent Form
- ICC ODI Rankings: 3rd place (Rating: 111).
- Recent ODI Series: Defeated South Africa 3-0.
- ODI Form: In brilliant touch, favorites for the series.
Key Players to Watch
- Fakhar Zaman – Pakistan’s most consistent ODI batter in the last two decades, crucial at the top.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – In great form, leading the pace attack, and key to early wickets.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand will enter the Tri-Nation Series with confidence but will need to bring their A-game to challenge a strong Pakistan side. The Black Caps have had a decent start to 2025, winning their ODI series against Sri Lanka 2-1, though they suffered a heavy defeat in the final match.
Top-Order Concerns & Batting Approach
New Zealand’s biggest talking point will be who opens the batting. There is uncertainty over whether Tom Latham retains his place or if the management prefers Will Young to partner with Rachin Ravindra at the top. The left-right combination could provide more balance.
With Kane Williamson not in the squad, the middle order will rely on:
- Daryl Mitchell, who has been in excellent form.
- Glenn Phillips, a powerful striker of the ball.
- Mitchell Santner, who can contribute with both bat and ball.
New Zealand’s batting needs to fire early to counter Pakistan’s dangerous pace attack.
Bowling Attack – Finding the Right Mix
The Black Caps have a solid pace unit, but their bowlers need to hit top form to trouble Pakistan.
- Matt Henry has been in outstanding form and will lead the attack.
- Trent Boult, if selected, will provide experience and swing with the new ball.
- Mitchell Santner is expected to be the key spinner, playing a major role in the middle overs.
New Zealand will need to control the run flow and take early wickets to avoid Pakistan getting a big total.
Current ODI Rankings & Recent Form
- ICC ODI Rankings: 5th place (Rating: 100).
- Recent ODI Series: Defeated Sri Lanka 2-1.
- ODI Form: Competitive, but need to step up against Pakistan.
Key Players to Watch
- Rachin Ravindra – A world-class all-rounder who provides stability at the top of the order.
- Mitchell Santner – A wicket-taking spinner who can turn the game in the middle overs.
PAK vs NZ Squad
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, William ORourke, Ben Sears, Michael Bracewell, Will Young, Mark Chapman
Dream11 Prediction for Today Pakistan vs New Zealand
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Batsman | Pakistan |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Batsman (wk) | Pakistan |
| Kane Williamson | Batsman | New Zealand |
| Devon Conway | Batsman | New Zealand |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-rounder | New Zealand |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler | Pakistan |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | New Zealand |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | Pakistan |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | Pakistan |
| Mitchell Santner | All-rounder | New Zealand |
| Saud Shakeel | All-rounder | Pakistan |
Explanation: The Fantasy XI is a balanced mix of top-order batsmen, all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers. Babar Azam and Kane Williamson are key players due to their consistency, while Shaheen Afridi and Matt Henry are must-haves for their wicket-taking abilities.
2 Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
- Khushdil Shah (Pakistan): Inconsistent performances make him a risky pick.
- William O’Rourke (New Zealand): Limited experience in ODIs reduces his fantasy value.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Pakistan are the favourites due to their strong home record, formidable pace attack, and balanced batting lineup. The conditions at Gaddafi Stadium are likely to suit their style of play.
Pakistan ODI History
Pakistan has played 979 ODIs, winning 519 and losing 431, with 21 no-results and 8 ties. They have a rich ODI history, including a World Cup win in 1992, and are known for their strong performances at home.
New Zealand ODI History
New Zealand has played 831 ODIs, winning 381 and losing 400, with 44 no-results and 6 ties. They are a consistent ODI side, known for their fighting spirit and ability to punch above their weight.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | New Zealand Wins | No Result | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116 | 61 | 51 | 3 | 1 |
Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 61 wins compared to New Zealand’s 51. Their encounters have often been closely contested, making this match unpredictable.
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is generally batting-friendly, with some assistance for pacers early on. Spinners may come into play as the game progresses. A score of 270-290 is considered competitive.
Weather Report
Clear skies with temperatures around 20°C. No rain is expected, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Toss Prediction:
Winner: New Zealand
Match Prediction?
Our Winner: Pakistan Will Win
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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 – PAK vs NZ 1st ODI
Who is the favourite to win?
Pakistan has an 82% chance of winning.
Who is the top run-scorer for Pakistan?
Babar Azam is expected to lead the batting.
Who is the best bowler for New Zealand?
Matt Henry is their key bowler.
What is the head-to-head record?
Pakistan leads 61-51.
Where can I watch the match?
Live streaming is available on Fancode and Sony Sports Network.
What is the predicted score?
Pakistan: 278+, New Zealand: 244+.
Match Summary
The Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st ODI match promises to be a thrilling contest. Pakistan, with their strong home record and balanced squad, are the favourites. However, New Zealand’s experienced lineup cannot be underestimated. Expect a competitive game at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Pakistan likely to edge out New Zealand and start the Tri-Nation Series on a high.
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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