Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Thursday put New Zealand to bat first after successful the toss within the opening recreation of the five-match ODI collection performed on the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Babar Azam mentioned the pitch will probably be useful later within the day for batting whereas NZ captain Tom Latham endorsed Pakistan’s choice, saying they can even bowl first had they gained the toss.
The ODI collection presents each side the chance to really feel out one another´s strengths and weaknesses forward of the World Cup in India in October-November.
The Black Caps shocked the house facet by squaring a previous five-match Twenty20 collection 2-2 regardless of lacking eight gamers — together with skipper Kane Williamson — as a result of ongoing Indian Premier League or damage.
Pakistan have gained 5 of the seven ODI collection that Azam has captained. His two losses got here in opposition to England in 2021 and New Zealand in January this yr.
However New Zealand boast current dominance over Pakistan.
Of the final six ODI collection between them, New Zealand have gained 5 and drawn one. Their final collection defeat in opposition to Pakistan was at house in 2011.
The opposite matches of the present collection are in Rawalpindi on Saturday adopted by Karachi on Might 3, 5 and seven.
Taking part in XI
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
New Zealand: Chad Bowes, Will Younger, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner
