Not a lot of times Pakistan enter a series against New Zealand in New Zealand standing a serious chance. Afterall, since 2001, Pakistan have won just one One-Day International series in New Zealand have conceded four of them with the last two series in 2014-15 and 2015-16 resulting in whitewashes.
In the last 20 ODIs in New Zealand for Pakistan, they've managed only six wins. And yet, when Sarfraz Ahmed spoke with hope ahead of the tour, there was a reason for that. Since their Champions Trophy triumph last year, Pakistan haven't lost a single ODI. The win against India in the final and then the series whitewash against Sri Lanka meant they won all their six games since.
Hasan Ali's meteoric rise and Mohammad Amir's return to the fold gives Sarfraz the belief that they can keep New Zealand batsmen in check in tough conditions. Shadab Khan's ability to trouble the batsmen gives the attack the edge while Rumman Raees and Faheem Ashraf will be expected to play support cast.
And concern for Pakistan, like it has been for a few years, is their batting. Fakhar Zaman's ability to deliver in tough conditions is in doubt while too much of burden is on Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. Babar Azam too will have to play a key role if Pakistan are to stand a chance.
In Sarfraz, Pakistan have found a shrewd leader and one thing remains clear that sub-par performances on the field, from the bowlers or batsmen, won't be accepted.
New Zealand have warmed up for the series with a series against Windies. Colin Munro has hit form while Martin Guptill is back in the squad. Kane Williamson stays key as always, while Tom Latham has settled into the middle order fairly quickly. The hosts boast of a formidable attack and go into the series with a slight advantage because of the familiarity of conditions.
The quick turnaround after the Twenty20 International series will ensure New Zealand are able to continue to momentum. And yet, they'll be well aware of the Pakistan challenge and will guard against any complacency.
When: New Zealand vs Pakistan. 1st ODI, 11am local time, 0330 IST
Where: Basin Reserve, Wellington
What to expect: Showers are expected during the game but aren't threatening enough to completely wash out the clash. The track should offer a bit of assistance to the pacers.
Team news:
New Zealand: Guptill is back in the squad after missing the ODI series against Windies. His inclusion means George Worker, who impressed with two half-centuries, will have to wait for his chance. However, there will be tremendous pressure on Guptill after a lean 2017. His highest score in the last seven innings was 33.
Pakistan: Azhar Ali should come back in the playing XI and will partner Fakhar Zaman. That means Imam ul Haq will have to make way for the senior player. Amir too is a shoo-in for the clash and will partner Hasan Ali.
What they said:
"A number of guys are not big names, but they have a great record to back them, like Azhar and Babar. [Fakhar] is another exciting player who likes to get on with it. He's had a great start to his international career but hasn't toured New Zealand, so there will be challenges adapting to different conditions" - Tim Southee.
"It's unfortunate that three of our key bowlers are injured but we still have good bowlers who can trouble New Zealand. Apart from opener Fakhar Zaman, all other players have played in New Zealand before so they know about the tough conditions and about the New Zealand team. So we are ready for the challenges" - Sarfraz.
Teams (from):
New Zealand: Kane Williamson(c), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Todd Astle, Lockie Ferguson, George Worker.
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed(c, wk), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Rumman Raees.
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