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Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI Tips - Hosts have a slight edge
- Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI match predictions to be played in Lahore on Saturday, February 8
- Pakistan won 12 of their last 16 home ODIs
- New Zealand lost 5 of their recent 8 ODIs
Can Pakistan start the tri-series with a win over New Zealand? (Getty Images)
Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI
It’s a type of tournament that has lost its relevance in recent times, but Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa meet in a tri-series as the teams warm up for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The first match between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, with the first ball set at 2:30 pm IST.
- Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI
- Head to Head
- Pakistan Form
- Pakistan Team News
- New Zealand Form
- New Zealand Team News
- Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI FAQs
New Zealand are always a tough team to play in any conditions, but it’s Pakistan who have an edge here. I am backing the home team to start the series with a win.
- Pakistan won 12 of their last 16 matches played at home (ODIs).
- New Zealand lost 6 of their last 9 bilateral series matches in Asia (ODIs).
- New Zealand lost 5 of their last 8 matches (ODIs).
Head to Head
Pakistan and New Zealand have played out 116 ODIs so far, with the Men in Green winning 61, losing 51, and three ending without any result. One match also ended in a tie.
Recent form also favours Pakistan, as they won five of the last six ODIs between these nations. That included a 21-run win in Bengaluru in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Pakistan Form
Pakistan was last seen in this format in South Africa in December 2024 when they blanked the hosts 3-0. In fact, the Pakistanis have won seven of their last eight ODIs.
All eyes will be on the venues, as Karachi and Lahore stadia have been renovated with large sums of money, although questions remain unanswered about their finish.
On the field, Fakhar Zaman comes back into the side and will hope to make up for the absence of the injured Saim Ayub. Abrar Ahmed is the spin option along with the usual suspects in the pace department.
Pakistan Team News
The hosts are using the same 15 that they announced for the Champions Trophy. The four missing this game could be Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Faheem Ashraf.
New Zealand Form
New Zealand will see this series as a crucial build-up to the Champions Trophy, where they can be a tough opponent for any team on their day.
The Kiwis were last seen at home in this format when they hosted Sri Lanka for three matches in January. They won the series 2-1, but those two remain their only victories across the last six completed matches.
The visitors will be without Lockie Ferguson, who is finishing his commitments in the International League T20 in the UAE. Jacob Duffy is added as a cover after picking up 12 wickets in his last five white-ball games for the New Zealand side.
New Zealand Team News
New Zealand could pack their side with all-rounders, as the likes of Nathan Smith, Mark Chapman, Ben Sears, or Jacob Duffy, and Will Young or Michael Bracewell will sit out.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI FAQs
Where can I watch the Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI live stream?
Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI live stream.
What time does Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI start?
This Pakistan vs New Zealand Tri-Series First ODI match is being played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore starting at 2:30 p.m. IST on Saturday, February 8.
Verdict
New Zealand haven't toured with their first XI squad in recent times, but even with a full squad at their disposal, they may struggle here. Pakistan has the right combination for these conditions and is likely to continue their dominance over New Zealand in this format. I am backing the hosts to win here.
Pakistan to Win
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