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A triangular ODI series is a rare sight in modern cricket, more of a relic from the past than a staple of today's game. Pakistan last hosted one in 2004, and the format itself has been absent from international cricket since 2019. This particular series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, stands out as the only ODI tri-series in the current Future Tours Programme (FTP).
The tournament will follow a shortened format, with each team playing just one match against the others before a final. The packed cricketing calendar, squeezed between the SA20 league and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has likely influenced this condensed schedule. Notably, the Champions Trophy, set to be Pakistan’s first ICC event as hosts in nearly 30 years, gives this series added significance.
The series offers vital match practice in conditions similar to those of the Champions Trophy, where most matches will be held in Pakistan, except for India’s games in Dubai. Interestingly, Pakistan and New Zealand will also meet in the Champions Trophy opener, though that match will take place in Karachi, not Lahore. Since the 2023 World Cup, both teams have played exactly nine ODIs, though in contrasting circumstances—Pakistan has won three consecutive series, while New Zealand struggled in the subcontinent, losing 2-0 to Sri Lanka.
That said, New Zealand is no stranger to Pakistan’s conditions. Since December 2022, they have played two Tests, eight ODIs, and ten T20Is in Pakistan. However, due to various factors, they often sent weakened squads. This time, with a multi-team trophy at stake, their approach is far more competitive.
New Zealand’s squad boasts a strong mix of pace and spin, with Mitchell Santner leading a spin group featuring Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, alongside a deep fast-bowling attack. In contrast, Pakistan appears more pace-heavy, with just one frontline spinner and Salman Ali Agha as a part-time option.
A key experiment for Pakistan will be Fakhar Zaman partnering Babar Azam at the top of the order, a move the PCB is testing ahead of the Champions Trophy. With this being their only game before the February 11 squad deadline, the match carries extra significance beyond just the final scoreline.
Squads:
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, William ORourke, Ben Sears, Michael Bracewell, Will Young, Mark Chapman
Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel
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Warning:
All posters please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staffs etc.
2. No making fun of player's, official's, coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
The tournament will follow a shortened format, with each team playing just one match against the others before a final. The packed cricketing calendar, squeezed between the SA20 league and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has likely influenced this condensed schedule. Notably, the Champions Trophy, set to be Pakistan’s first ICC event as hosts in nearly 30 years, gives this series added significance.
The series offers vital match practice in conditions similar to those of the Champions Trophy, where most matches will be held in Pakistan, except for India’s games in Dubai. Interestingly, Pakistan and New Zealand will also meet in the Champions Trophy opener, though that match will take place in Karachi, not Lahore. Since the 2023 World Cup, both teams have played exactly nine ODIs, though in contrasting circumstances—Pakistan has won three consecutive series, while New Zealand struggled in the subcontinent, losing 2-0 to Sri Lanka.
That said, New Zealand is no stranger to Pakistan’s conditions. Since December 2022, they have played two Tests, eight ODIs, and ten T20Is in Pakistan. However, due to various factors, they often sent weakened squads. This time, with a multi-team trophy at stake, their approach is far more competitive.
New Zealand’s squad boasts a strong mix of pace and spin, with Mitchell Santner leading a spin group featuring Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, alongside a deep fast-bowling attack. In contrast, Pakistan appears more pace-heavy, with just one frontline spinner and Salman Ali Agha as a part-time option.
A key experiment for Pakistan will be Fakhar Zaman partnering Babar Azam at the top of the order, a move the PCB is testing ahead of the Champions Trophy. With this being their only game before the February 11 squad deadline, the match carries extra significance beyond just the final scoreline.
Squads:
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, William ORourke, Ben Sears, Michael Bracewell, Will Young, Mark Chapman
Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel
=====
Warning:
All posters please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staffs etc.
2. No making fun of player's, official's, coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
