New Zealand ODI squad for Pakistan announced, Tom Latham to captain

New Zealand have named a 13-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan at home. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham is leading the side, which includes eight players from the Champions Trophy squad, while a few members are absent due to their IPL commitments.

Full-time captain Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips are all currently playing in the IPL 2025. Matt Henry is recovering from an injury, and Kyle Jamieson has been rested for workload management. Star Kane Williamson has also opted out of the series due to personal reasons.

New Zealand Announce 13-Member Squad for Pakistan ODI Series

Wellington cricketers Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly have received their maiden international call-ups for the ODI squad. Kelly has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket. The 31-year-old cricketer leads the run-scoring charts in the Plunket Shield with 749 runs, including four centuries.

Abbas, who represented New Zealand A against Australia A, had an impressive Ford Trophy campaign. He scored 340 runs at an average of 42.50 and also hit his maiden List A century (104) against the Central Stags in February. Abbas was born in Pakistan and moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of one.

Will O’Rourke to Lead New Zealand’s Pace Attack in Absence of Senior Bowlers

Will O’Rourke will lead the pace attack in the absence of senior bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, and Ben Sears are included in the fast bowling department. O’Rourke recently returned for the final two T20Is against Pakistan after a brief break for workload management.

Leg-spinner Adi Ashok has received his second ODI call-up after making his international debut against Bangladesh in December 2023. Michael Bracewell, captaining New Zealand in the ongoing five-match T20I series against Pakistan, will play a key role as a spin-bowling all-rounder in the Blackcaps squad.

New Zealand ODI squad for Pakistan series: Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young

We Have a Talented Group Ready for International Cricket - Sam Wells

Kiwiw selector Sam Wells said that this series will be an ideal chance to test young players, with the next ODI World Cup still over two years away. Wells highlighted that the young players are now ready for international opportunities.

“With a group of regular ODI players unavailable, we have a selected group of high-potential players who are now ready for opportunities at international level,” Sam Wells said.

“With the next ICC ODI pinnacle event still two and half years away, the series is a perfect opportunity to introduce, or re-introduce in the case of Adi, these players to international cricket now."

"Nick has been the standout domestic batsman the last few seasons. He is a dynamic stroke maker with power, and he can bat anywhere in the top six. Mo is one of our most promising young batters and he also provides a sixth bowling option which is required in the absence of Rachin (Ravindra) and Glenn (Phillips)."

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