Williamson Unavailable, Latham to Lead
New Zealand has announced its ODI squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, with debut call-ups for batsman Nick Kelly and wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Abbas. Regular skipper Kane Williamson will miss the series as he continues recovering from a knee injury sustained in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. In his absence, Tom Latham will captain the team.
Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas: Rising Stars
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Nick Kelly (31) has been a standout performer in New Zealand’s domestic circuit, accumulating over 3,000 List A runs at an average above 40. His left-handed batting style adds depth to the middle order.
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Muhammad Abbas (24), an emerging wicketkeeper-batsman, has impressed with his quick glovework and an aggressive batting strike rate above 90 in domestic competitions.
Neesham and Ferguson Return
The squad welcomes back all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, both returning from injuries. Their presence is expected to strengthen both the batting and bowling departments.
Series Schedule and Significance
The ODI series against Pakistan begins on April 5, 2025, in Lahore, followed by matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. This series serves as key preparation for New Zealand ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy later this year.
