After 18 years, Kiwis to play first ODI in Pakistan

Kiwis are touring Pakistan for the first time in 18 years.

Pakistan and New Zealand square-off in the first game of the three-match ODI series as international cricket marks its return to Pakistan. The match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

New Zealand is first side to visit Pakistan in what will be a bumper 2021-22 season for the local cricket fans and supporters.

It is pertinent to mention here that New Zealand last toured Pakistan in November 2003 when they played five ODIs.

Since 2003 ODI series, Pakistan have thrice hosted New Zealand for ODIs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Kiwis winning the 2019-10 and 2014-15 series.

However, Pakistan won the 2009-10 and 2018-19 T20I series by 2-0 and 3-0 respectively. The 2014-15 series was tied at 1-1.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir, Zahid Mahmood.

New Zealand squad

Tom Latham (c), Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Blair Tickner, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Will Young.