Pakistan is set to host New Zealand for a full-fledged series, including five Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The Kiwi squad arrived in Lahore on April 11 and was taken to their hotel under tight security. After a two-day rest period, the team will start their practice on April 13. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the upcoming cricket series.
On their tour to Pakistan, the New Zealand cricket team is slated to play 5 T20Is and 5 ODIs. The tour of Pakistan by New Zealand will begin on April 14 and end on May 7 with one final encounter between the two sides. Beginning with a five-match T20 series, Pakistan and New Zealand’s trip of Pakistan will thereafter feature a five-match ODI series. Although Pakistani cricketers are prohibited from playing in the IPL, several of the top New Zealand players are presently competing in the 2023 season (IPL).
During the T20Is against Afghanistan, captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were rested; they are now back in the lineup for the series, which will be contested in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi from April 14 to May 7.
Shaheen suffered a knee injury in the first Test match in Galle against Sri Lanka in July of last year, missing the following five Tests and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against England and New Zealand while completing his recovery following the men’s T20 World Cup. He made his final appearance for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final, bowling just 2.1 overs and picking up a wicket before leaving the pitch in the 16th over due to a knee injury. In February, he participated in the PSL and made a comeback to professional cricket, leading Lahore Qalandars to the championship.
A Historic Tour of New Zealand
The upcoming tour is a significant one for Pakistan cricket as it marks the first time that New Zealand will play in the country since 2003. Over the years, the security situation in Pakistan had prevented many international teams from visiting the country. However, in recent times, the situation has improved significantly, and Pakistan has successfully hosted international cricket events, including the Pakistan Super League and matches against Zimbabwe, West Indies, and South Africa.
The Players to Watch Out For
Many players on both teams can make a significant impact in the series. For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan has been in exceptional form in recent times and will look to continue his good run with the bat. Shaheen Shah Afridi, known for his pace and swing, will be a significant threat to the New Zealand batsmen. For New Zealand, Martin Guptill is a proven performer in limited-overs cricket and will look to provide a solid start to his team. Tim Southee, who has been leading the New Zealand bowling attack for some time now, will also be a vital cog in the wheel.
The Challenges for Both Teams
While Pakistan will be playing at home, they will have to deal with the pressure of expectations from the home crowd. Additionally, the New Zealand team has some experienced players who can turn the game around at any moment. On the other hand, New Zealand will be playing in unfamiliar conditions, and the players will have to adapt quickly to the subcontinental pitches and weather.
The Ticket Prices
The Pakistan Cricket Board has set affordable prices for cricket lovers in Rawalpindi and Karachi. Tickets for the last two T20Is at Rawalpindi are priced at PKR 500 for Premium enclosures and PKR 1,000 for VIP enclosures. The third-floor gallery for the two matches on April 20 and 24 are available at PKR 3,500. Fans can buy tickets in Karachi in the range of PKR 250 to PKR 1,000.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Squad
Pakistan T20: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Zaman Khan, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub
Pakistan ODI: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Usama Mir, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha
New Zealand ODI: Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young, Tom Latham Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls
New Zealand vs Pakistan T20I and ODI schedule
T20 series Schedule:
- Apr 14 — 1st T20I, Lahore
- Apr 15 — 2nd T20I, Lahore
- Apr 17 — 3rd T20I, Lahore
- Apr 20 — 4th T20I, Rawalpindi
- Apr 24 — 5th T20I, Rawalpindi
ODI series Schedule:
- Apr 26 — 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
- Apr 30 — 2nd ODI, Karachi
- May 3 — 3rd ODI, Karachi
- May 5 — 4th ODI, Karachi
- May 7 — 5th ODI, Karachi
Lahore and Rawalpindi will host the five-match T20 series on April 14, 15, 17, 20, and 24. Both Rawalpindi and Karachi will host ODI matches (April 27, 29, and May 3, 5, 7) The series looks to be an amusing bone as both sides strive to perform at their loftiest position.
Conclusion
The New Zealand cricket team’s visit to Pakistan for the ODI and T20 series is a significant event for both countries’ cricketing fraternity. After a long wait of 18 years, New Zealand has finally returned to Pakistan to play a full-fledged series, a positive sign for the revival of international cricket in the country. The PCB’s efforts in organizing the series safely and securely and the affordable ticket prices have made it possible for cricket fans to witness their favorite players in action.
The New Zealand team’s arrival in Pakistan amid tight security arrangements reflects the confidence of the international cricket community in Pakistan’s security arrangements. Moreover, the successful completion of the series without any security issues will further strengthen Pakistan’s position as a safe destination for international cricket.
Overall, the series is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two world-class teams, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the matches. This series will not only showcase the talent of Pakistani and New Zealand players but will also help in promoting cricket in the region. The series is a testament to the fact that cricket has the power to bring people and countries together and can act as a unifying force in the world.