Pakistan vs New Zealand Archives

Pakistan squad carries out training session ahead of final New Zealand ODI

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: The Pakistan cricket team hit the ground running on Friday here at Bay Oval with their training session for the third ODI against New Zealand, set to be played on April 5.

The Green Shirts arrived in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, gearing up for the third and final ODI of the series against New Zealand. After a much-needed day of rest, the squad hit the nets today for an intense practice session.

However, persistent rain forced the team to move their training indoors at Bay Oval. Under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, the players focused on refining their batting, bowling, and overall fitness through specialized drills.

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It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been anything but smooth. After a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series, the Men in Green carried their poor form into the ODIs, losing the opener by 73 runs before conceding the series with an 84-run defeat in the second match earlier today.

With New Zealand already securing the series, the final ODI has been reduced to a dead rubber. Yet, for Pakistan, the match holds significance as an opportunity to salvage some pride after a tough tour.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

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Ben Sears’ five-fer sinks Pakistan as New Zealand clinch ODI series

HAMILTON: Ben Sears ran through the batting lineup of Pakistan with a sensational five-wicket haul as New Zealand secured an emphatic 84-run victory in the second ODI at Seddon Park on Wednesday, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare.

Chasing a target of 293, Pakistan’s innings never really got going as they collapsed to 208 all out in 41.2 overs.

The chase started in disastrous fashion, with the visitors losing three wickets inside the first six overs, reduced to 9-3. The situation worsened as captain Mohammad Rizwan (5) and vice-captain Salman Agha (9) fell in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 32-5.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf provided some resistance at No. 7, adding 33 runs with Tayyab Tahir (13), but the wickets kept tumbling as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip. Pakistan were staring down the barrel at 114-8 in the 28th over.

Amidst the collapse, an unfortunate injury saw Haris Rauf suffer a concussion after being struck on the head, forcing his exit from the match.

Naseem Shah was brought in as a concussion substitute and, along with Faheem, stitched a crucial 60-run stand for the ninth wicket, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope.

However, just when Pakistan seemed to be clawing their way back, Sears returned to break the stand, dismissing Faheem for a gritty 73 off 80 balls.

Naseem fought on, smashing his maiden ODI fifty off just 41 balls, but Sears wrapped up the innings by removing him for 51, leaving Pakistan all out for 208.

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Sears was the standout performer for the Blackcaps, finishing with figures of 5-41. Jacob Duffy chipped in with three wickets, while Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith took one apiece.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 292-8 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to an unbeaten 99-run masterclass from Mitchell Hay.

Openers Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly got the hosts off to a solid start, putting up a 50-run partnership.

However, Haris Rauf provided the breakthrough, dismissing Kelly for 31. Mohammad Wasim Jr. struck in the 10th over, sending Mariu back for 18, reducing New Zealand to 71-2.

The hosts continued to lose wickets at regular intervals—Daryl Mitchell (18), Henry Nicholls (22), and captain Michael Bracewell (17) all got starts but failed to convert.

At 132-5, New Zealand were under pressure, but Muhammad Abbas (41 off 66) and Mitchell Hay steadied the innings with a crucial 77-run stand.

Even as wickets fell, Hay continued to attack, finishing just one run short of what would have been a well-deserved century. His unbeaten 99 off 78 balls, laced with seven fours and seven sixes, powered New Zealand to a competitive total.

For Pakistan, Wasim Jr. and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up two wickets each, while Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed, and Haris Rauf claimed one apiece.

READ: Pakistan sanctioned for slow over-rate in first New Zealand ODI

Pakistan sanctioned for slow over-rate in first New Zealand ODI

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday, reprimanded the Pakistan men’s cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during the opening ODI of their three-match series against New Zealand.

According to the ICC, match referee Jeff Crowe from the Elite Panel imposed the sanction after Pakistan fell two overs short of the required target, even after considering time allowances.

Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over their side fails to complete in the stipulated time.

Given that Pakistan were two overs behind, the team has been handed a 10 per cent match fee deduction.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, accepted the charges and penalties, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

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It’s worth noting that after a disappointing 4-1 loss in the T20I series, Pakistan stumbled in the ODI opener as well, suffering a 73-run defeat.

New Zealand, batting first, posted a daunting total of 344, powered by Mark Chapman’s 132 and a rapid 24-ball fifty from debutant Muhammad Abbas.

In response, Pakistan made a strong start and reached 249-3 in the 39th over. However, a sudden collapse saw them crumble to 271 all out, missing out on what once seemed like a competitive chase.

The second ODI of the series is set to take place in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Pakistan Squad for Second ODI Against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf.

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Pakistan set unwanted record in first ODI against New Zealand

Pakistan kicked off the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on a disappointing note, as the visitors not only suffered a 73-run defeat but also set an unwanted record for conceding the most extras in an ODI innings.

Pakistan bowlers struggled with discipline throughout the first innings, conceding a staggering 43 extra runs—including wides and leg-byes. This figure ranks as the third-highest number of extras conceded by Pakistan in ODI history.

It’s worth noting that the record for the highest number of extras given away in ODI history is jointly held by West Indies and Scotland, conceding 59 runs each.

The record for the most extras by Pakistan in an ODI remains 47, given away against New Zealand in Manchester during the 1999 World Cup.

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The Men in Green also conceded 44 extras on two occasions—against Sri Lanka in Sharjah (1990) and against New Zealand in Dambulla (2003).

Despite notable performances from Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha with the bat, Pakistan failed to chase a daunting 345-run target, handing New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the series.

It’s worth noting that the second match is scheduled for April 2 in Hamilton, while the series will conclude with the final ODI in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

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Mark Chapman, Nathan Smith lead New Zealand to victory in first ODI against Pakistan

NAPIER: A commanding century from Mark Chapman, coupled with Nathan Smith’s four-wicket haul, powered New Zealand to a convincing 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series here at McLean Park on Saturday.

Chasing a daunting 345-run target, Pakistan faltered under the pressure of New Zealand’s pace attack, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs.

Pakistan’s chase began on a promising note as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique put together a brisk 83-run opening stand.

Both batters looked aggressive, setting a solid platform before Nathan Smith broke the partnership in the 13th over, removing Usman for 39. Skipper Michael Bracewell then dismissed Abdullah for 36 in the 16th over, reducing Pakistan to 88-2.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild with a 76-run partnership, keeping hopes alive. However, debutant Muhammad Abbas struck in the 29th over to dismiss Rizwan for 30, leaving Pakistan at 164-3.

Babar, showing his trademark composure, anchored the innings with Salman Ali Agha in an 89-run stand.

The former captain reached his 36th ODI fifty, scoring a fluent 78, but his dismissal in the 39th over to Will O’Rourke tilted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.

Pakistan’s collapse began soon after as Tayyab Tahir was run out in the 40th over, followed by a golden duck for Irfan Khan Niazi.

Smith then returned to clean up the tail, dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over.

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Salman held on to his end for a well-fought 58 before falling prey to Jacob Duffy, while Smith dismissed Akif Javed to wrap things up, as Pakistan fell short by a significant margin.

Smith was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, finishing with 4-60 in 8.1 overs. Duffy took two wickets, while Bracewell, Abbas, and O’Rourke chipped in with one apiece.

Earlier, New Zealand, after being put into bat by Pakistan, suffered early blows. Debutant Akif Javed made an instant impact, dismissing Will Young for 1 in the third over before removing Nick Kelly (15) and Henry Nicholls (11), reducing the hosts to 50-3 in 12.4 overs.

However, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell then turned the tide, counterattacking with a crucial 100-run partnership. Chapman played the aggressor, reaching his second ODI century in the 38th over with a flurry of boundaries, smashing 11 fours and four sixes.

Mitchell played a supporting role with a well-crafted 76 before falling to Irfan Niazi. Their 199-run stand had already placed New Zealand in a commanding position by then.

Chapman’s career-best 132 powered the hosts towards a massive total before Haris Rauf and Niazi picked up late wickets to dent the lower order.

But a blistering 50 off just 24 balls from debutant Muhammad Abbas ensured New Zealand crossed the 300-run mark with ease.

Pakistan’s bowlers had their moments, with Niazi finishing as the most successful bowler (3-51), while Rauf and Akif Javed picked up two wickets each. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali grabbed one apiece.

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New Zealand star batter ruled out of Pakistan ODIs, replacement named

New Zealand suffered a major setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Pakistan as wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham was ruled out after fracturing his right hand during training.

The injury has forced a leadership reshuffle, with Michael Bracewell now set to captain the side in Latham’s absence.

Meanwhile, experienced batter Henry Nicholls has been called up to replace Latham.

It’s worth noting that Tom Latham, who was originally supposed to lead the side in the absence of Mitchell Santner, picked up the injury while batting in the nets earlier this week.

Scans confirmed a fracture, and he will now undergo a minimum of four weeks of rest and rehabilitation, according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

Meanwhile, Nicholls’ recall comes on the back of impressive domestic form, where he has scored five half-centuries in six innings since recovering from a calf strain. The 33-year-old has already played 78 ODIs and brings valuable experience to the squad.

New Zealand will also be without opener Will Young for the second and third ODIs, as he awaits the birth of his first child.

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Young will feature in the series opener in Napier before being replaced by uncapped Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu, who has received his maiden international call-up.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the frequent disruptions but backed his side to adapt in the ODI series against Pakistan.

“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons. But that also creates opportunities for others to step up,” Stead said.

He expressed confidence in Bracewell’s leadership, highlighting his performance in the T20I series.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose Tom [Latham] as captain on the eve of the series, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The side is in safe hands with Michael, who’s done a great job through the T20I series,” he added.

New Zealand will enter the ODI series on a high, having recently clinched the T20I series 4-1 against Pakistan.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off on March 29 in Napier. The second match is scheduled for April 2 in Hamilton, while the series will conclude with the final ODI in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

New Zealand ODI squad for Pakistan series

Michael Bracewell (c), Henry Nicholls, Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.

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Hasan Nawaz bags unwanted record in New Zealand T20I series

WELLINGTON: Pakistan’s young opening batter Hasan Nawaz registered another duck in the fifth T20I against New Zealand here on Wednesday, bagging an unwanted record in the process.

The 22-year-old batter made his debut in the series opener against New Zealand on March 16, however, he had a disastrous start to his career as he was dismissed for a duck in the first two games.

In a spectacular turn of events during the third T20I at Eden Park, he electrified the cricketing world with a jaw-dropping 44-ball century, shattering the record for the fastest hundred by a Pakistani batter in the format.

His explosive innings propelled Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket triumph over New Zealand, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his sheer talent.

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However, he failed to carry on the momentum in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui, where he found himself stifled and dismissed for a mere single run.

The series culminated in an even more disappointing outing, with Nawaz sent packing for a hapless three-ball duck in the second over of the innings.

This unfortunate dismissal marked Nawaz’s third duck of the series, a record that has now become a tarnished milestone for a Pakistani opener in a T20I series, eclipsing the dismal tallies of Shahzaib Hassan, Mohammad Hafeez, and Mohammad Rizwan in this unwanted statistic.

Most ducks by a Pakistani opener in a T20I series

3 – Hasan Nawaz (5 Inns)
2 – Shahzaib Hasan (2 Inns)
2 – Mohammad Hafeez (3 Inns)
2 – Mohammad Rizwan (4 Inns)

READ: James Neesham, Tim Seifert help New Zealand seal T20I series 4-1

James Neesham, Tim Seifert help New Zealand seal T20I series 4-1

WELLINGTON: James Neesham claimed a five-wicket haul, while Tim Seifert played an unbeaten knock of 97 runs to help New Zealand thump Pakistan in the final match of the five-match T20I series here at Sky Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a paltry 129-run target, New Zealand successfully chased down the total in 10 overs after losing two wickets to win the series 4-1.

Seifert led New Zealand’s charge with the bat, smashing 97 runs from 38 balls, which featured ten sixes and six boundaries.

Seifert and Finn Allen (27) stitched a 93-run opening stand to put the home team in the driving seat before Sufiyan Muqeem provided Pakistan with the first breakthrough.

Sufiyan added another wicket to his tally as he removed Mark Chapman (3).

Daryl Mitchell (2*) joined Seifert, and they comfortably steered their side to a thumping eight-wicket victory.

New Zealand invited Pakistan to bat first after winning the toss, and Jacob Duffy drew first blood with the wicket of Hasan Nawaz (0) in the second over.

Ben Sears removed Mohammad Haris, who scored a scratchy 11 off 17, bringing Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha to the crease.

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Meanwhile, Duffy dismissed Omair Bin Yousuf (7) to leave the Green Shirts reeling at 25-3 inside the power play.

Salman remained unfazed on his end as he lost two more partners before vice-captain Shadab Khan joined him and added 54 runs for the sixth wicket.

James Neesham broke the budding stand with the wicket of Shadab, who scored 28 runs from 20 deliveries with the help of five boundaries.

New batter Jahandad Khan (1) also fell prey to Neesham in the same over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 108-7.

Salman top-scored for Pakistan with a 39-ball 51, laced with seven boundaries, including one six, before becoming Neesham’s fourth victim.

Sufiyan Muqeem was also snared in the same over by Neesham, who claimed his career-best bowling figures of 5-22.

Haris Rauf (6) remained unbeaten as Pakistan managed to reach 128-9 in their allocated 20 over against a dominant New Zealand attack.

Besides Neesham’s five-wicket haul, Duffy claimed two wickets for the Black Caps, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi each bagged one.

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke

Pakistan XI: Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali

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New Zealand pacer ruled out of remainder of Pakistan series

Pace bowler Matt Henry has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against Pakistan, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Saturday.

Henry, who sustained the right-shoulder injury during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final win against South Africa, has also been managing an ongoing left knee issue.

Although initially included in the squad for the series, he will now focus on rehabilitation instead of playing the remaining matches.

Zakary Foulkes, who was initially selected for the first three matches, has been retained for the final two T20Is to replace Matt Henry.

The young pacer has shown glimpses of his potential, returning figures of 1 for 11 in three overs during the first T20I, followed by none for 32 in the second match.

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In another change, Kyle Jamieson has been omitted from the squad for the remaining matches.

The towering pacer was named Player of the Match in the first T20I after a stellar 3 for 8 performance but struggled in the third game, conceding 54 runs without taking a wicket, a match that saw Pakistan secure their first win of the series.

To bolster their pace attack, Will O’Rourke, who was initially part of the squad for only the first three games, has now been added to the squad for the final two matches in place of Jamieson.

New Zealand currently leads the five-match series 2-1 against Pakistan. The fourth T20I is set to take place on Sunday in Mount Maunganui, followed by the final match on Wednesday in Wellington.

New Zealand squad for the remainder of the T20I series against Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Zakary Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi.

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Pakistan selector explains reason behind Haseebullah Khan’s exclusion from T20I squad

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team selector Asad Shafiq has addressed the omission of young wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan from the national squad for the ongoing tour of New Zealand.

Speaking to the media at a private university in Karachi on Thursday, Shafiq explained that Haseebullah was given an opportunity in Australia, however, he suffered an injury later which ruled him out from further action.

He assured that once the left-handed batter regains full rhythm, he will be reconsidered for selection.

“Haseebullah was given a chance in Australia, but he was sidelined due to injury. Once he finds his rhythm again, he will get another opportunity,” Shafiq stated.

For the unversed, Haseebullah, who has represented Pakistan in one ODI and three T20Is, suffered a hand injury during practice ahead of Pakistan’s home Test series against West Indies earlier this year. A ball struck his hand, causing a wound that required stitches.

Having regained fitness, he is currently playing for Quetta Region in the National T20 Cup, where he has scored 57 runs in three games at a strike rate of 86.36.

Asad Shafiq, while addressing the broader selection process, reiterated that Pakistan’s new players have been picked purely based on domestic performances.

He emphasized that the selection committee’s primary objective is to reward top-performing domestic players with opportunities at the national level.

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“Our job is to give domestic performers a chance. Whoever performs will get an opportunity,” he asserted.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, Shafiq explained that the squad is being built with a long-term vision. Given the high-risk nature of T20 cricket, he stressed the importance of testing players in different conditions.

“T20 cricket involves more risks, which is why it’s important to give players proper opportunities. Every player selected in the squad will get a fair chance,” he assured.

Asad Shafiq also addressed concerns regarding the frequent chopping and changing in the team, stating that players will not be dropped after just one failed series.

“We also want every player to get a proper chance. No one will be sidelined based on just one bad series,” he affirmed.

Apart from Haseebullah Khan, Shafiq also discussed young pacer Mushtaq Kalhoro, confirming that he is in the selection committee’s long-term plans, along with several other promising domestic talents.

“All players are in our plans. Whoever performs in domestic cricket will get an opportunity,” he concluded.

READ: Hasan Nawaz breaks Babar Azam’s record during third New Zealand T20I