Lahore (Web Desk): New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan in the first match of the one-day international (ODI) tri-nation series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.
The match comes after a glamorous inauguration of the newly revamped stadium, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who kicked off the event with a spectacular ceremony featuring live music performances.
However, New Zealand will be without one of their key bowlers, as experienced fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the clash with a hamstring injury, leaving the Kiwis to adjust their attack without his pace and aggression.
The tri-nation series is seen as a crucial warm-up ahead of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy, which will take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19.
South Africa joins Pakistan and New Zealand in this round-robin competition, where each team plays two matches, with the top two advancing to the final in Karachi on February 14.
Pakistan enters the series as the form team in ODIs, having won three consecutive series towards the end of last year.
Despite some struggles in T20I and Test formats, the men in green are considered formidable in the 50-over format.
However, there has been debate around the squad selections, particularly the inclusion of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, sparking rumors that changes might be made before the final Champions Trophy squad is locked in on February 12.
During a press conference, Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan addressed the speculation, stating, “The squad is set, and we have full confidence in the team as it stands. No changes are expected; we’re focused on the match ahead.”
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Pakistan's ability to continue their winning ways, while New Zealand and South Africa will be looking to make an early statement ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The stage is set for what promises to be an action-packed series full of top-tier cricket.
Teams
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke.
