The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins in less than two weeks, but before that, Pakistan is all set to play a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, which will act as a dress rehearsal for the major event.
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore braces itself to host the first match of the four-game series with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand, with a strong squad at their disposal.
Pakistan Team Preview
Albeit poor form in Tests, Mohammad Rizwan’s men have enjoyed some good form in ODIs, having won 8 out of their last 9 ODIs since the culmination of the 2023 ICC World Cup.
These wins include historical series victories against Australia down under and a clean sweep in South Africa – becoming the first Asian side to achieve that feat.
The wrecker in chief in both those series wins was Saim Ayub. The youngster suffered an ankle injury in the 2nd test against South Africa and as a result, ruled out of the ICC event.
A lot of names had been thrown around regarding who will be taking the openers spot, alongside Fakhar Zaman. Abdullah Shafique had a horror show in South Africa and was dropped in the following series.
In the training sessions held before this tri-series, Babar Azam was seen partnering up with Fakhar up the order so it will not be a surprise if the World No.1 batter walks out to open.
Despite poor displays against West Indies in the tests, Babar scored two fifties each against South Africa in the 2nd Test and the final two ODI’s.
Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Kamran Ghulam, and Khushdil Shah are in contention to take the remaining three spots in the batting order, with captain Muhammad Rizwan and vice-captain Agha Salman batting at 4 and 6.
Muhammad Rizwan has scored 264 runs in his last 7 innings at a healthy average of 52.8 and a strike rate of 80.7. The wicketkeeper-batter will have to deal with the toughest phase a batter has to deal with in ODIs and that is the middle overs.
Abrar Ahmed is all but set to be the sole spinner in the squad, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf completing the pace attack.
New Zealand Team Preview
The Blackcaps arrived in Lahore on the back of just 4 wins in their last 9 ODI’s, which includes home series wins against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
New Zealand is fairly familiar with what the Pakistani conditions have to offer, having played as many as two tests, eight ODIs, and ten T20s since December 2022. Some of those New Zealand sides were weakened and a couple were full-strength squad
But this time, it is surely a full-strength squad that consists of a healthy balance of youngsters and experience in this 15-men side.
Matt Henry will be leading the pace attack which also includes Lockie Ferguson – whose place is in jeopardy, having suffered a hamstring injury in the ongoing ILT20. This will leave captain Mitchell Santner with Will O’Rourke, exciting talent Ben Sears, and all-rounder Nathan Smith as the remaining seam options.
As regards spinners, Santner will have Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra at his disposal.
The return of one of the world’s best Kane Williamson will be a major boost to an otherwise strong New Zealand batting lineup. The 34-year-old will bring calmness to the storm and will surely help Santner in major decisions.
Predicted Lineups for Tri-Series
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan(c/wk), Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears.
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