New Zealand and Pakistan will face off in a three-match ODI series starting tomorrow (March 29). What could the Black Caps' lineup look like, with some significant absentees?
New Zealand squad for Pakistan ODIs
New Zealand initially announced a 13-man squad for the series on March 24, including two uncapped players in Wellington duo Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas. However, there have been a couple of changes since then.
Skipper Tom Latham has fractured his hand, ruling him out of the series. Henry Nicholls has taken his place in the squad, with uncapped Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu also added to the squad as cover, and Michael Bracewell will now lead the side.
The squad bears an inexperienced look thanks to several first-teamers being away at the IPL – Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Devon Conway and regular captain Mitchell Santner are all at the T20 tournament. Kane Williamson is also at the IPL on commentary duty, and will play the Pakistan Super League starting later this month.
Predicted New Zealand XI for the Pakistan ODIs
In their initial squad announcement, New Zealand had confirmed that Will Young and Nick Kelly would pair up at the top of the batting order. The middle-order is a bit more uncertain now, with Latham's injury and the absence of the likes of Williamson and Ravindra.
Mark Chapman should bat at No.3. After playing at No.5/No.6 for much of his New Zealand ODI career, his last five innings have come in the top four, all against Sri Lanka, yielding scores of 2, 76, 29*, 62 and 81. Daryl Mitchell is expected to slot in at No.4.
The 21-year-old Muhammad Abbas could debut at No.5. He has played just 15 List A matches, but scored a century and two fifties in the Ford Trophy in February, although those were all from No.4. He also provides a unique dimension to the lineup as a left-arm medium pacer.
Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay should bat at No.6, followed by skipper Michael Bracewell. Seam bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith is likely to take the No.8 spot, with fellow pacer Jacob Duffy and Will O'Rourke following. Ben Sears could also get a look in, in place of Duffy.
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22-year-old leggie Adithya Ashok could play as the second spinner alongside Bracewell, but if conditions are overwhelmingly pace-friendly, New Zealand could play all four of Smith, Duffy, O'Rourke and Sears.
Will Young will miss the last two ODIs on paternity leave, and when that happens, Henry Nicholls is likely to take his spot at the top of the order.
Predicted New Zealand XI for Pakistan ODIs: Will Young, Nick Kelly, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke, Adithya Ashok.
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