NZ Vs PAK 2025: Pakistan’s Best Playing XI For The ODI Series Against New Zealand

As the cricketing world turns its attention to the much-anticipated Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI series, excitement is building for a thrilling contest between two competitive teams. Scheduled from March 29 to April 5, 2025, this three-match series carries significant importance, especially for Pakistan, who are eager to bounce back from their T20I series loss against the Black Caps earlier this month.

With ODI cricket gaining renewed relevance in the lead-up to major ICC tournaments, this series provides an opportunity for Pakistan to fine-tune their squad, test combinations, and adapt to challenging conditions in New Zealand. Under new captain Mohammad Rizwan, the team will look to assert its dominance in the 50-over format, even as they face a strong Kiwi side that will look to exploit home conditions.

With fast, bouncy pitches in New Zealand, Pakistan’s squad selection will be crucial. The team management must balance their batting depth, bowling firepower, and all-rounders to ensure they field the most competitive XI. Let’s take a deep dive into Pakistan’s ideal playing XI for the ODI series, analyzing each player’s strengths and potential impact on the series.

Pakistan’s Best Playing XI for the ODI Series Against New Zealand

1. Imam-ul-Haq (Opening Batter)

Imam-ul-Haq has established himself as one of Pakistan’s most reliable openers in the ODI format. His ability to negotiate pace and spin effectively makes him a valuable asset, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. With an impressive career ODI average of 50+, Imam has shown he can provide solid starts and anchor the innings when required. His role will be to build partnerships at the top and ensure Pakistan does not lose early wickets.

Key Strengths:

Strong technique against both fast bowlers and spinners.
Ability to rotate the strike and build long innings.
Experience in overseas conditions, particularly in New Zealand.

2. Abdullah Shafique (Opening Batter)

Abdullah Shafique is a technically sound batter who has been trying to cement his place in Pakistan’s white-ball squad. His ability to play the short ball well and his temperament under pressure make him a good fit alongside Imam. While he has had inconsistent ODI performances, this series is a golden opportunity for him to prove his worth as Pakistan prepares for bigger tournaments.

Key Strengths:

Compact batting technique.
Good backfoot play, which is crucial in New Zealand’s bouncy pitches.
Capable of building partnerships and playing anchor roles.

3. Babar Azam (One-Down Batter)

Babar Azam remains the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. The former captain and one of the best batters in the world, Babar’s ability to pace an innings, find gaps, and play match-winning knocks will be crucial. His presence at No. 3 provides stability and assurance, allowing the rest of the middle order to play freely.

Key Strengths:

Exceptional consistency across all formats.
Can accelerate or anchor the innings based on the match situation.
Excellent against both spin and pace.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper)

Leading Pakistan for the first time in an ODI series, Mohammad Rizwan will have a crucial dual role—guiding the team as captain while also excelling as a wicketkeeper-batter. Rizwan’s consistency, energy, and match-winning ability under pressure make him a key player in Pakistan’s lineup. He will be expected to play an aggressive role in the middle overs, ensuring that Pakistan does not lose momentum.

Key Strengths:

Smart tactical acumen as a captain.
Adaptable batting approach.
Reliable wicketkeeper, especially in conditions where ball movement can be tricky.

5. Salman Ali Agha (Middle-Order Batter)

Salman Ali Agha has emerged as a dependable middle-order batter with his ability to play spin well and rotate the strike efficiently. His performance will be key in ensuring that Pakistan does not collapse in the middle overs and can set up a strong finish.

Key Strengths:

Good against spin and pace.
Ability to play crucial match-saving innings.
Can provide part-time off-spin if required.

6. Khushdil Shah (All-Rounder)

Khushdil Shah provides Pakistan with a much-needed power-hitting option in the lower middle order. His ability to clear the boundary and finish games is an asset, especially in tight run-chases. Additionally, his left-arm spin can be useful as a secondary bowling option.

Key Strengths:

Big-hitting ability in the death overs.
Can bowl economically if needed.
Has a good strike rate in ODI cricket.

7. Faheem Ashraf (All-Rounder)

Faheem Ashraf adds valuable balance to the team as an all-rounder. His ability to swing the ball and contribute crucial runs down the order makes him a key player for Pakistan’s lower order. Given New Zealand’s fast pitches, Faheem’s bowling will be useful in both early and death overs.

Key Strengths:

Effective swing bowler.
Handy lower-order batter.
Can provide breakthroughs in middle overs.

8. Mohammad Wasim Jr. (Fast Bowler)

Mohammad Wasim Jr. is a young fast-bowling prospect with the ability to bowl at high speeds and generate movement. His ability to bowl well in the death overs gives Pakistan an advantage, especially in pressure situations.

Key Strengths:

Can bowl at 145+ km/h speeds.
Good death-over execution.
Handy lower-order batter.

9. Haris Rauf (Fast Bowler)

Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s leading pacer, brings raw pace and aggression to the bowling attack. His ability to bowl deadly yorkers and quick bouncers makes him an ideal choice for New Zealand conditions.

Key Strengths:

Can clock speeds above 150 km/h.
Lethal in the death overs.
Experience in New Zealand conditions.

10. Naseem Shah (Fast Bowler)

Naseem Shah has quickly become a key bowler in Pakistan’s pace attack. His ability to generate bounce and movement makes him a serious threat against New Zealand’s batters.

Key Strengths:

Excellent with the new ball.
Can bowl long spells if required.
Developing into a reliable death bowler.

11. Abrar Ahmed (Spinner)

Abrar Ahmed is Pakistan’s mystery spinner, known for his variations and ability to trick batters with his wrist spin. In a pace-heavy attack, his presence brings much-needed variety.

Key Strengths:

Unique leg-spin variations.
Can trouble batters unfamiliar with his style.
Adds an element of unpredictability.

Pakistan’s Best XI for a Crucial Series

This ODI series is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to regain momentum and build a strong unit ahead of future ICC tournaments. While New Zealand remains a formidable opponent, especially at home, Pakistan’s squad has the potential to deliver strong performances if they play to their strengths.

With a balanced combination of top-order stability, middle-order aggression, and a potent bowling attack, Pakistan will be aiming for a series victory to reassert their dominance in ODI cricket.

Can Pakistan bounce back and defeat New Zealand in their own backyard? Only time will tell, but with this XI, they have a solid chance of doing so!

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