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New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I Tips - Black Caps strong despite absences

By Sridhar Bhamidi

27 Mar 2025

Sridhar Bhamidi 27 Mar 2025

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New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I match predictions to be played in Napier on Saturday, March 29
New Zealand won 6 of their last 8 ODIs
Pakistan lost 5 of their last 6 ODIs in Napier against New Zealand

Can New Zealand continue their winning momentum against Pakistan? (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I

New Zealand won the T20I series against Pakistan 4-1 despite missing some of the regular players currently locked in the IPL tournament. The teams now move to the three-match ODI series, with the first game set to be played at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday, March 29th, with action to start at 3:30 am IST.

New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I
Head to Head
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News
New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I FAQs

Pakistan’s recent form in white-ball formats has been dire, as their Champions Trophy exit was followed by a series of T20Is. Although on paper they look stronger than the Kiwis, it is the hosts who have an edge given these conditions. I am backing the Black Caps to win.

New Zealand won 6 of their last 8 ODIs.
At home, New Zealand won 19 of their last 21 completed ODIs.
At Napier, New Zealand have won 5 of their 6 ODIs against Pakistan.
Pakistan lost 4 of their last 5 completed ODIs.

Head to Head

New Zealand had played Pakistan in 119 ODIs so far, out of which there have been 54 wins for the Kiwis and 61 wins for the Green Caps. One match ended in a tie, while three finished without any result.

These teams played each other three times in the last month, twice in the tri-series tournament and once in the ICC Champions Trophy tournament. All three matches have been played in Pakistan and won by New Zealand.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand won the five-match T20I series in the lead-up to this series with a 4-1 score. The Kiwis completely dominated the series despite missing some key players due to IPL commitments.

The Kiwis will be led once again by Michael Bracewell, with even Kane Williamson missing the series. They were last seen in this format in the Champions Trophy, where they finished runners-up to India.

Henry Nicholls has been called up to replace Tom Latham, while Will Young will play just the first match to attend the birth of his first child.

New Zealand Team News

Muhammad Abbas could get his ODI cap, while one of Adithya Ashok or Ben Sears may sit out.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan needed a reboot after a disastrous Champions Trophy, but the T20s were an equally poor outing for the visitors. Losing 4-1 was as bad to their morale as the losing margins: nine wickets, five wickets, 115 runs, and eight wickets.

Mohammad Rizwan comes back into the side after missing the T20Is, and so does Babar Azam. The biggest absence is that of Shaheen Afridi, who was dropped, while the likes of Akif Javed, Abdullah Shafique, and Sufiyaan Muqeem are in the side.

Pakistan Team News

Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, Sufiyaan Muqeem, and Akif Javed could be sitting out for Pakistan.

New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I FAQs

Where can I watch the New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I live stream.

What time does New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I start?

This New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI I match is being played at McLean Park in Napier, starting at 3:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, March 29.

Verdict

New Zealand v Pakistan - 1st ODI

There was very little in terms of consistency from Pakistan in the T20s. Although this is a different format, recent form is still not Pakistan’s ally, as was seen in the Champions Trophy. Even with some key players missing, New Zealand boast a strong side that can win here and start the series on a high. I am putting my money on New Zealand starting the series with a win.

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