Pakistan will be looking to kickstart their 2023 with a win over New Zealand in the first One Day International in Karachi.
Pakistan will be locking horns with New Zealand in the first One Day International at the National Bank Arena in Karachi on Monday, January 9.
The hosts will be back in action in the 50-overs format after playing non-stop T20Is and Tests in the last few months and they would be banking on home advantage with this year’s ODI World Cup preparations in mind. The Men in Green did not lose an ODI series at home last year and their impressive 2-1 victory against Australia last summer will give them some confidence heading into this One Day series.
The Kiwis, on the other hand, will be hoping to make an impact in this ODI series. Further, they will be visiting India for a white-ball series later this month, including ODIs. Thus, the Blackcaps would be looking at this as an ideal opportunity to get accustomed to the conditions in the subcontinent with an eye on the World Cup.
Match Details
Venue: National Bank Arena, Karachi
Date & Time: January 9, 3:00 PM IST
Telecast & Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv App
Pitch Report
The surface at Karachi might keep low and offer turn for the spinners as the contest progresses. However, the bowlers could find it difficult to bowl in the second innings with humid conditions expected. Therefore, the captain winning the toss will bowl first.
Predicted Playing XIs for PAK vs NZ
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shan Masood, Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shanawaz Dahani
New Zealand:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Lockie Ferguson, Ajaz Patel
