New Zealand vs Pakistan | 2nd ODI | Hamilton | April 02 | Pre-Match Discussion

[The Bald Eagle]

New Zealand will host Pakistan at Seddan Park, Hamilton on April 2 for the second clash of the 3-match ODI series. Fresh off their emphatic 4-1 victory in the T20I series, New Zealand thumped PCT once again in the 1st ODI but the question remains will Pakistan bounce back.

Will the Men in Green rise to the occasion, or will the Black Caps continue their dominance?

New Zealand ODI Squad

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

Pakistan ODI Squad

Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem and Tayyab Tahir

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[Justcrazy]

Its disappointing to see Pakistan losing to even such a weak team. How will they compete against full fledged Teams?

 

[RyanRyan10]

Hope they do the sensible thing by picking Faheem in the line up

 

[TeymurBlake]

Drop one of Tayyab or Irfan Khan. Tayyab is not a no.6 & Irfan Khan Niazi needs some work.

 

[gani999]

Its disappointing to see Pakistan losing to even such a weak team. How will they compete against full fledged Teams?

Rule no 1 is any sport is never to underestimate the opposition. If Pak fans are doing this, I'm sure some such sentiment exists in the team too.

Pakistan must learn to respect others. Once they do that, they'll start winning again.

 

[Aami]

I don't understand why Kamran Ghulam was discarded so quickly, he played a few good inns, especially a 60 odd against S Africa. I'm sure he could have been utilised at no 6 instead of Tayyab/Irfan?

But then, that's Pakistsn Cricket for you ... even when it comes to 'giving long rope' its to the selected few.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Drop all of Tayab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Muhammad Ali & Naseem Shah.

Playing XI:

Abdullah Shafique
Usman Khan
Babar Azam
Muhammad Rizwan (Wk)
Agha Salman
Khushdil Shah
Faheem Ashraf
Muhammad Wasim Jr
Haris Rauf
Sufyan Muqeem
Akif Javed

 

[mominsaigol]

Its disappointing to see Pakistan losing to even such a weak team. How will they compete against full fledged Teams?

They won't

 

[kingusama92]

I have no idea what goes on in Aaqib Javed's head.

One of the worst coaches of all time.

 

[Rana]

Drop all of Tayab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Muhammad Ali & Naseem Shah.

Playing XI:

Abdullah Shafique
Usman Khan
Babar Azam
Muhammad Rizwan (Wk)
Agha Salman
Khushdil Shah
Faheem Ashraf
Muhammad Wasim Jr
Haris Rauf
Sufyan Muqeem
Akif Javed

Good team

Drop Rizwan from captaincy and make him bat at 7

 

[Justcrazy]

I have no idea what goes on in Aaqib Javed's head.

One of the worst coaches of all time.

He is no exception to other so-called legends.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Drop all of Tayab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Muhammad Ali & Naseem Shah.

Playing XI:

Abdullah Shafique
Usman Khan
Babar Azam
Muhammad Rizwan (Wk)
Agha Salman
Khushdil Shah
Faheem Ashraf
Muhammad Wasim Jr
Haris Rauf
Sufyan Muqeem
Akif Javed

I will play Tayyab or irfan instead of Khushdil. Rest of the team looks fine...

 

[BouncerGuy]

The national squad has traveled from Napier to Hamilton.

The team will practice tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

The second match of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place on April 2.

https://imgur.com/vZ3knTw

 

[Vikram1989]

The national squad has traveled from Napier to Hamilton.

https://imgur.com/vZ3knTw

Watch the pathetic body language of them.all of them are walking like a random visitor. not even one of them have a good mentally strong player's body language .

 

[Ahmed216]

Drop all of Tayab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Muhammad Ali & Naseem Shah.

Playing XI:

Abdullah Shafique
Usman Khan
Babar Azam
Muhammad Rizwan (Wk)
Agha Salman
Khushdil Shah
Faheem Ashraf
Muhammad Wasim Jr
Haris Rauf
Sufyan Muqeem
Akif Javed

Balanced side

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I'd go

Usman
Abdullah
Babar
Rizwan
Agha
Khushdil
Faheem
Naseem
Akif
Abrar/Sufyeen
Rauf

Bat first as it's a day game and even 280-290 may be enough.

 

[Ahmed216]

I'd go

Usman
Abdullah
Babar
Rizwan
Agha
Khushdil
Faheem
Naseem
Akif
Abrar/Sufyeen
Rauf

Bat first as it's a day game and even 280-290 may be enough.

I'd go for Wasim instead of Naseem. He seems more of a wicket taker to me and a slightly better number 8 too.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Its disappointing to see Pakistan losing to even such a weak team. How will they compete against full fledged Teams?

Weak team?

This is arguably the most talented cricket nation right now.

 

[mominsaigol]

I'd go

Usman
Abdullah
Babar
Rizwan
Agha
Khushdil
Faheem
Naseem
Akif
Abrar/Sufyeen
Rauf

Bat first as it's a day game and even 280-290 may be enough.

I'd be more experimental imo

1) Usman
2) Abdullah
3) Babar
4) Rizwan
5) Agha
6) Khusdil
7) Faheem
8) Waseem Jnr
9) Akif
10) Abrar
11) Sufiyan

Give yourself 3 pacers and 3 spinners + Agha as a 7th option.

I always believe 3 spinners and 3 pacers are your best bet on any pitch unless extremities apply, like total road pitches or UAE/ Pakistan doctored pitches.

 

[sweep_shot]

I'd be more experimental imo

1) Usman
2) Abdullah
3) Babar
4) Rizwan
5) Agha
6) Khusdil
7) Faheem
8) Waseem Jnr
9) Akif
10) Abrar
11) Sufiyan

Give yourself 3 pacers and 3 spinners + Agha as a 7th option.

I always believe 3 spinners and 3 pacers are your best bet on any pitch unless extremities apply, like total road pitches or UAE/ Pakistan doctored pitches.

I think Rauf should be selected. He was good in 1st ODI (10-1-38-2).

 

[Hellion]

I'd go for Wasim instead of Naseem. He seems more of a wicket taker to me and a slightly better number 8 too.

Waseem can't bowl with the new ball. So only one of Wasim or Rauf should play imo.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I'd be more experimental imo

1) Usman
2) Abdullah
3) Babar
4) Rizwan
5) Agha
6) Khusdil
7) Faheem
8) Waseem Jnr
9) Akif
10) Abrar
11) Sufiyan

Give yourself 3 pacers and 3 spinners + Agha as a 7th option.

I always believe 3 spinners and 3 pacers are your best bet on any pitch unless extremities apply, like total road pitches or UAE/ Pakistan doctored pitches.

You will have to open the bowling with Faheem and Akif then

 

[mominsaigol]

You will have to open the bowling with Faheem and Akif then

And? This isn't a world cup brother. It's not a big deal, let em rip

 

[Nikhil_cric]

And? This isn't a world cup brother. It's not a big deal, let em rip

And they might struggle. I think Naseem + Akif is mandatory for the new ball bowling. Also , you don't pick 2 specialist spinners in NZ conditions.

 

[followed]

Get rid of 40 years old trundler buzurg ali. He is pathetic in every aspect.

He has horrible body language, lul run up zero skills,chicken mentality.

How come he has played in every format and never performed once.
He is the biggest sifarshi in the squad along with faheem and imam parchi.

 

[followed]

Naseem
Akif
Waseem
Haris
This should be the bowling lineup if they want to play spinner sufiyan should be picked ahead of nerd abrar.

 

[Marooned]

Tahir hasn't gotten a fair chance at all. It will be really harsh to drop him.

Niazi tho, has no claim to begin with. He should be nowhere near the odi team for now.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Usman Khan ruled out of second ODI

Hamilton, 30 March 2025:

Usman Khan has been ruled out from the second ODI against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old opening batter sustained the injury while fielding during his side’s first ODI against New Zealand at the Mclean Park in Napier on Friday.

The MRI scan confirmed a Low-Grade tear, making Usman unavailable for second ODI scheduled on 2 April at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

 

[jamie smith fan]

My team for tomorrow

Abd
Faheem
Babar
Agha
Niazi
Rizwan
Khushdil
Wasim
Akif
Sufyaan
Rauf

 

[Ahmed216]

Usman Khan ruled out of second ODI

Hamilton, 30 March 2025:

Usman Khan has been ruled out from the second ODI against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old opening batter sustained the injury while fielding during his side’s first ODI against New Zealand at the Mclean Park in Napier on Friday.

The MRI scan confirmed a Low-Grade tear, making Usman unavailable for second ODI scheduled on 2 April at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Not a surprise after all those acrobatic shots in the first game

 

[BouncerGuy]

So now we have to go with Imam Abdullah combo forcefully if Imam is fit... Otherwise, babar has to open once again...LOL

What a joke this is.

 

[mominsaigol]

Not a surprise after all those acrobatic shots in the first game

Although I am upset that Usman khan isn't playing not because he's a good player because atleast he plays positively given his hack and slash nature.

However at the very least this will debunk the whole babar and rizwan slow start drama. Actually tbf 22-2 in CT 2025 should have already debunked it but it is what it is.

I'm just hoping it's imam, Abdullah, babar and then rizwan cause otherwise I'm certain people who will use the excuse of babar opening and not being an opener.

Agha and usman khan somewhat masked the equation last time around.

 

[jamie smith fan]

My team for tomorrow

Abd
Faheem
Babar
Agha
Niazi
Rizwan
Khushdil
Wasim
Akif
Sufyaan
Rauf

Isn't it good XI??
Imam is a tailender against short bowling and Tt is as rubbish as it gets.
Let Faheem open and enjoy his enjoy while he is there.

 

[PakPremi]

Drop all of Tayab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Muhammad Ali & Naseem Shah.

Playing XI:

Abdullah Shafique
Usman Khan
Babar Azam
Muhammad Rizwan (Wk)
Agha Salman
Khushdil Shah
Faheem Ashraf
Muhammad Wasim Jr
Haris Rauf
Sufyan Muqeem
Akif Javed

It seems they will drop Muhammed Ali, Tayyib and IrfanKhan to replace them with Wasim J, Khushdil and Faheem to increase bowling option and improve tail end batting with due to fast bowler change.

 

[indianpanacea]

My batting order will be like
Abdullah
Tayyab Tahir
Babar
Salman
Rizwan(yes babar and Rizwan shouldn't bat together.They are similiar type batters)
Irfan khan niyaazi
7)Fahim ashraf
Followed by 4 regular bowlers

 

[indianpanacea]

Tayyab is a gun batter but not meant at no.6.make him play in top order and with usman out for next match Let Tayyab open the innings

 

[Omer2002]

Doesnt matter who plays its kiwis 3 0 with their B team

 

[RidiculousMan]

Usman Khan ruled out of second ODI

Hamilton, 30 March 2025:

Usman Khan has been ruled out from the second ODI against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old opening batter sustained the injury while fielding during his side’s first ODI against New Zealand at the Mclean Park in Napier on Friday.

The MRI scan confirmed a Low-Grade tear, making Usman unavailable for second ODI scheduled on 2 April at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Is he out of PSL too?

 

[RidiculousMan]

My team for tomorrow

Abd
Faheem
Babar
Agha
Niazi
Rizwan
Khushdil
Wasim
Akif
Sufyaan
Rauf

A Pakistani coach would kill himself before trying something so out of the box

 

[hassan918]

Is he out of PSL too?

No, the injury is not that bad.

 

[Kianig89]

Shafiq
Babar
Tahir
Rizwan
Salman
Khusdil
Faheem
Wasimjr
Akif
Sufyan
Ali
==========
Experiment series so give these rookies proper chance

 

[Xoib]

I have no idea what goes on in Aaqib Javed's head.

One of the worst coaches of all time.

It’s our luck that a random YouTube interview clip went viral and based on that Naqvi replaced a World Cup winning coach with this clown

 

[jnaveen1980]

One more 50 from Babar and a 50 from Rizwan. T20 bradmans will be back into the T20 squad. Hope that happens

 

[riddu]

Tayyab Tahir,
Abdullah Shafique,
Babar Azam,
Imam ul Haq
Mohammad Rizwan (captain),
Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain),
Faheem Ashraf


Mohammad Wasim Jnr,
Haris Rauf,
Abrar Ahmed,
Sufiyan Muqeem

 

[ads101]

My team for tomorrow

Abd
Faheem
Babar
Agha
Niazi
Rizwan
Khushdil
Wasim
Akif
Sufyaan
Rauf

If faheem fails it’s not great for us. If he succeeds and we’re forced to carry him around as opener I don’t think it’ll be great for us either . Felt that way in test cricket where I felt he was never going to keep that batting up.

Either way I wouldn’t risk it. He can play down the order as an allrounder but I don’t want him opening.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chapman ruled out of second ODI | Seifert called in

BLACKCAPS batter Mark Chapman will miss the second Chemist Warehouse ODI against Pakistan in Hamilton tomorrow due to a right hamstring injury.

Chapman sustained the injury while fielding during the first ODI in Napier and a subsequent MRI scan revealed a grade one tear which will require a short period of rehabilitation.

Chapman, who scored a career-best 132 in the series opener at McLean Park, will return to Auckland for rehabilitation with the aim to be available for the third and final ODI at Bay Oval on Saturday.

Top-order batter Tim Seifert will replace Chapman in the squad in Hamilton.

Seifert joins the squad off the back of a memorable KFC T20I series against Pakistan where he topped the run scoring charts with 249 runs averaging 62.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said the injury was unfortunate for Chapman and the team.

“It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark, after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier,” said Stead.

“We’re thankful that the hamstring injury is only minor so we’re hopeful that Mark will be able to complete his rehabilitation and be available for the final match of the summer in the Mount.”

While ODI squad selection preference was given to players on full national and domestic contracts, Stead said Seifert’s recent form had warranted his selection.

“With several new faces in this squad it’s great to be able to call on a player of Tim’s experience,” he said.

“He’s in good form after a great T20 series and he provides another strong top-order batting option heading into an important match tomorrow.”

 

[BouncerGuy]

Hamilton: The national squad practiced at the park ground.

Batters and bowlers participated in net practice.

Players engaged in fielding practice under the supervision of coaches.

The second match of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place tomorrow.

The match will start at 11 AM local time.


View attachment WhatsApp Video 2025-04-01 at 01.44.43_fb0e2828.mp4

 

[BouncerGuy]

Imam-ul-Haq speaking during media talk ahead of the 2nd ODI match:
Q: Imam Bhai, Pakistan lost the first match, and now you are preparing for the second. What’s the team’s morale like after two days of training? Are you ready for a comeback?

A: Absolutely. Our focus is on lifting the team’s morale, which dropped after the Champions Trophy. Tough conditions like these are ideal for a comeback. Fighting and winning here will restore the confidence we’ve lost. Yes, we lost the first match, but we can’t dwell on the past. I believe in our team’s ability, and Inshallah, we’ll win the next two matches.

Q: Regarding the batting unit, we saw Babar getting hit on the hand and Rizwan handling bouncers in practice. Have you adjusted to these challenging conditions after two weeks?

A: Absolutely. For most players, this is their fourth or fifth tour here, and it usually takes a few days to settle. But with five or six solid practice sessions and a game already played, we’re in good rhythm. These conditions are about handling bounce early on, but once a batsman faces 15-20 balls, runs start flowing. Our experienced players have won many ODIs for Pakistan, and we were once a top ODI side. Remembering and repeating past successes in South Africa and Australia will bring us back to form, Inshallah.

Q: You’ve played every domestic format for 1.5 years to earn your place back. What goals have you set now?

A: Playing consistent cricket for six or seven years is a learning curve. When out of the team, I focused on domestic cricket for six to eight months, which truly helped. I avoid setting too many goals to avoid pressure. My only aim is to win matches for Pakistan and perform well for my country.

Q: Pakistan conceded 344 runs in the first match. After two days of training, how’s the morale of the bowlers?

A: This is a new bowling unit with Naseem and two fresh bowlers. Adjustments are necessary here—just as in batting—with changes in length and swing. It’s unfair to judge after one game, but our coaches, Aqib Bhai and Azhar Bhai, have guided the bowlers extensively. Inshallah, we’ll see better results.

 

[sweep_shot]

Hopefully Pakistan will win this one.

1st game was going well till that late-middle order collapse.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Hopefully Pakistan will win this one.

1st game was going well till that late-middle order collapse.

No Chapman the Ghost also... No excuses left now... There were none already

 

[Croma]

I only want the youngsters to perform.. that's all.. thanks!

 

[mominsaigol]

Chapman ruled out of second ODI | Seifert called in

BLACKCAPS batter Mark Chapman will miss the second Chemist Warehouse ODI against Pakistan in Hamilton tomorrow due to a right hamstring injury.

Chapman sustained the injury while fielding during the first ODI in Napier and a subsequent MRI scan revealed a grade one tear which will require a short period of rehabilitation.

Chapman, who scored a career-best 132 in the series opener at McLean Park, will return to Auckland for rehabilitation with the aim to be available for the third and final ODI at Bay Oval on Saturday.

Top-order batter Tim Seifert will replace Chapman in the squad in Hamilton.

Seifert joins the squad off the back of a memorable KFC T20I series against Pakistan where he topped the run scoring charts with 249 runs averaging 62.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said the injury was unfortunate for Chapman and the team.

“It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark, after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier,” said Stead.

“We’re thankful that the hamstring injury is only minor so we’re hopeful that Mark will be able to complete his rehabilitation and be available for the final match of the summer in the Mount.”

While ODI squad selection preference was given to players on full national and domestic contracts, Stead said Seifert’s recent form had warranted his selection.

“With several new faces in this squad it’s great to be able to call on a player of Tim’s experience,” he said.

“He’s in good form after a great T20 series and he provides another strong top-order batting option heading into an important match tomorrow.”

Big blow for NZ but it evens out thanks to the return of Imam ul Haq

 

[jamie smith fan]

Big blow for NZ but it evens out thanks to the return of Imam ul Haq

Will young is also not playing this game.

 

[jamie smith fan]

I only want the youngsters to perform.. that's all.. thanks!

Who are the youngsters??
These guys have been playing regularly since 7-8 years.

 

[Rana]

No Chapman, good chance to avoid phenta!

But wait, Siefert is back

 

[Shoaib Akhtar 100 MPH]

2nd ODI X1

Imam
ABD
Babar
Riz
Salman Ali
Khushdil
IK
Faheem
Was Jr
Naseem / Sufyaan
Akif

We need a long batting line up due to regular middle order collapses like the first ODI 249 / 3 to 279 AO.

We will be chasing 300 plus if we bowl first.

7 bowling options.

 

[Rana]

got a weird feeling this bloke Kelly is going to go remix of ignition, hot and fresh out the kitchen against us today.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in ODI against New Zealand

Pakistan have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the first ODI at Napier on 29 March.

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Mohammad Rizwan’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Wayne Knights leveled the charge.