New Zealand Names 13-Man Squad for Pakistan ODI Series

Wellington’s Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly have earned their maiden call-ups to the Black Caps' 13-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

With key players, including Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips, unavailable due to Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments, Abbas and Kelly have been drafted into the squad to bolster the batting lineup. Kane Williamson has also opted out of selection, while captain Mitchell Santner is unavailable, handing leadership duties to Tom Latham.

Young Talent Gets a Chance

Abbas, 21, is regarded as a future star for New Zealand cricket. Born in Pakistan, he moved to New Zealand as an infant and is the son of former first-class cricketer Azhar Abbas. The young batter has played 15 List A matches for Wellington, recently scoring his maiden century against Central Districts.

Kelly, 31, will open the batting and brings extensive domestic experience, having played over 200 matches for Wellington Firebirds, Northern Brave, and Otago Volts. He has an impressive List A record, scoring 2632 runs in 87 matches at an average of nearly 33.

Bowling Reinforcements & Spin Options

New Zealand’s pace attack will feature Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, and Ben Sears, with Matt Henry (injury) and Kyle Jamieson (rested) unavailable.

Adi Ashok, who made his ODI debut in 2023, returns as a spin option alongside Michael Bracewell.

Focus on Future Selection

Chief selector Sam Wells emphasized that with the next 50-over World Cup still over two years away, the squad is focused on high-potential players.

“With several regular ODI players unavailable, we’ve selected a group of high-potential players ready for international opportunities,” said Wells.

He highlighted Kelly’s dynamic batting and Abbas’ versatility as a sixth bowling option, given the absence of Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed that selection preferences will be given to players with national and domestic central contracts. Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Jimmy Neesham, who featured in the recent T20I series, were not considered after opting out of NZ Cricket contracts.

New Zealand Squad for Pakistan ODIs:

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.