The 5-match T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan ended up being a one-sided contest as New Zealand crushed aside Pakistan, 4-1 in the series. The hosts ticked all the boxes in securing a win, despite not having a few regulars in the side because of their commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pakistan had a new-look and refurbished T20I side, having dropped seniors in the form of Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, but the young guns of Pakistan, flattered to deceive in the series.
Apart from the 3rd T20I, Pakistan lost the plot in all the matches and there are some serious questions that need to be answered ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The action now shifts to the ODI series and New Zealand have announced a 13-member side. It will be led by stand-in-skipper Tom Latham as regular skipper Mitchell Santner is occupied with the IPL, plying his trade for Mumbai Indians (MI).
Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly have earned their maiden call-ups to the ODI side and a total of 8 players from New Zealand’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad have been included.
Some of the top names to miss out on the ODI series because of their commitments in India are Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway.
Why is Kane Williamson not playing in the ODI series?
New Zealand top-order batter Kane Williamson will not be a part of the ODI series as he is involved with the IPL as an expert commentator for the host broadcast. As he will be in India, it will not be possible for him to play in the ODI series versus Pakistan.
He will also be plying his trade for Karachi Kings in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Notably, the Kings will be led by Williamson’s former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain in the IPL, David Warner.
New Zealand ODI Squad for series versus Pakistan
Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young
