by: TN Media News Pakistan: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening match of the ODI tri-nation series against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. The series, which includes hosts Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, is being held from February 8 to 14 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
The tri-nation series serves as a crucial preparation for all three teams ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, after the toss, said his team would have also chosen to bat first if they had won the toss. He highlighted the importance of the series for their Champions Trophy preparations.
Rizwan confirmed that Babar Azam would open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman, while the team featured fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Rizwan is aiming for his fourth consecutive ODI series win since becoming Pakistan’s captain, following victories over Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa last year.
“We are excited to play in front of our home crowd in the newly constructed stadiums,” Rizwan said, praising the team’s preparations.
New Zealand, fresh off a training session at LCCA Ground, is eager to start strong in the series. Captain Mitchell Santner said, “It’s great to be back in Pakistan. This series will help us get familiar with the conditions and prepare for the Champions Trophy.”
Teams Squad : Pakistan XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand XI: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.
