New Zealand Cricket has announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. A notable feature of this team is the inclusion of two young players with b ties to both India and Pakistan.
Sports News: New Zealand on Monday announced a 13-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan. Currently, a five-match T20I series is underway between the two teams, with the final match scheduled for Wednesday in Wellington. Tom Latham will captain New Zealand in the absence of Mitchell Santner.
This ODI squad includes 21-year-old uncapped Pakistan-origin cricketer Mohammad Abbas. Additionally, Indian-origin leg-spinner Adi Ashok has also been selected.
Latham to Lead
Tom Latham has been appointed captain of the New Zealand ODI team, as regular captain Kane Williamson and other key players are engaged in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Experienced players like Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner will not be part of this series. Mohammad Abbas, born in Pakistan, moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of one. Cricket runs in his blood; his father, Azhar Abbas, is a former first-class cricketer in Pakistan and currently the assistant coach of the Wellington Firebirds.
21-year-old Abbas had a stellar performance in last year's Ford Trophy, scoring 340 runs at an average of 42.50. His 104-run innings against Central Stags was a highlight. Abbas is an effective middle-order batsman and also bowls left-arm medium pace.
Adi Ashok: From Tamil Nadu to New Zealand
Indian-origin Adi Ashok was born in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, but moved to New Zealand at the age of four. The 22-year-old leg-spinner made his ODI debut for New Zealand last year. He has played two ODIs and one T20I match so far. His selection will strengthen New Zealand's spin department.
The first ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan will be played on March 29th in Napier. The second match will be on March 31st in Christchurch, and the third on April 3rd in Dunedin. This series presents a golden opportunity for New Zealand to test its young talent due to the inclusion of new players.
New Zealand ODI Squad
Tom Latham (Captain), Mohammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Henry, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and Will Young.
