By Chirag - Mar 26, 2025 01:38 PM
As New Zealand gears up for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan at home, the team has introduced fresh talent to its squad. The selection of uncapped players Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas highlights the country's commitment to nurturing domestic performers and preparing them for the international stage.
Nick Kelly, a seasoned domestic performer, has been rewarded for his remarkable consistency in the domestic circuit, where he amassed over 1300 runs across formats this season. The 31-year-old left-hander has been handed the responsibility of opening the batting alongside Will Young, replacing Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, who are currently fulfilling their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments.
Muhammad Abbas, a promising 21-year-old all-rounder of Pakistani origin, has also been given an opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage. Having migrated to New Zealand from Pakistan, Abbas has impressed the selectors with his performances in the Ford Trophy, where he has consistently contributed with the bat while also providing an extra bowling option.
Adi Ashok, a leg-spinner who made his debut against Bangladesh in December 2023, has once again been included in the squad. His selection is a testament to his growth as a bowler and the selectors’ confidence in his ability to control the game during the middle overs. His accuracy and variations could prove crucial in restricting Pakistan’s batters, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
With only eight members from the squad that reached the ICC Champions Trophy final earlier this year, the team has undergone significant changes. The absence of key players, including those currently participating in the IPL, means that this ODI series serves as an opportunity for New Zealand to test its bench strength. Additionally, former captain Kane Williamson has made himself unavailable for the series, further increasing the responsibility on the fresh faces.
Maiden call-ups for Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas in New Zealand’s ODI squad against Pakistan ?
— ICC (@ICC) March 24, 2025
More here ➡️ https://t.co/5FosKYS6V0 pic.twitter.com/JO7PtXxL6t
The absence of all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who has been a key figure in New Zealand’s ODI setup, means that Tom Latham will captain the side. Latham, a reliable and experienced player, will be crucial in guiding the younger players and ensuring a smooth transition within the squad.
New Zealand's fast bowling department will also see some key players missing due to injuries and workload management. Matt Henry remains on the sidelines as he continues to recover from right shoulder and left knee issues. Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson, one of New Zealand's premier fast bowlers, has been rested as part of workload management. These absences provide a golden opportunity for emerging pacers like Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nathan Smith, and Will O’Rourke to step up and make an impact.
Head selector Sam Wells emphasized the importance of this series in providing international exposure to new players. With the next ICC ODI pinnacle event still two and a half years away, this is the perfect time for New Zealand to experiment with its squad and build depth.
Over the past few seasons, Nick has emerged as the most impressive domestic batsmen. He can bat anywhere in the top six and is a powerful, dynamic stroke creator, Wells said. In addition to being one of our most promising young hitters, Mo (Muhammad Abbas) offers a sixth bowling option, which is essential when Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra are not available.”
Fresh faces joining an experienced core ?
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 24, 2025
Hear from coach Gary Stead on the ODI squad named to face Pakistan in a 3-game series starting in Napier this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/o8V5iAMkL6
Wells also praised Adi Ashok for his performances in domestic cricket, highlighting his accuracy and ability to control the middle overs.
“His performances for Auckland have been impressive. His accuracy in the middle overs is a valuable skill set he can bring to the team, and now is a good time to give him more international experience,” he added.
New Zealand enters this ODI series with confidence after dominating Pakistan in the preceding T20I series, where they secured the series with a game to spare. However, ODIs present a different challenge, and Pakistan will be determined to bounce back. The visitors possess a formidable lineup, and despite missing some key players, they have the ability to challenge the Black Caps.
For New Zealand, this series is about testing new players, building combinations, and setting a roadmap for the future. The inclusion of fresh faces ensures that the competition within the squad remains high, which will ultimately benefit the team in the long run.
The three-match ODI series will be played across three different venues in New Zealand:
These venues offer different challenges, with Napier and Hamilton known for their batting-friendly conditions, while Mount Maunganui can provide assistance to both pacers and spinners.
The upcoming ODI series against Pakistan presents an excellent opportunity for New Zealand to test its depth and provide valuable exposure to emerging talents. With several key players unavailable, the likes of Nick Kelly, Muhammad Abbas, and Adi Ashok have a golden chance to establish themselves in the national setup.
As the team looks towards the future, performances in this series will be closely monitored, and strong displays could help players cement their places in the long run. With an eye on the next ICC event, New Zealand is laying the groundwork for sustained success in the ODI format.
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