Napier, March 25, 2025: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled its 13-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan, set to commence on March 29 at McLean Park in Napier.
Tom Latham has been named captain in the absence of regular white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner, who, along with Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips, is unavailable due to Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments.
The squad features two uncapped players—Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas. Kelly, a 31-year-old top-order batter and Wellington Firebirds captain, has been rewarded for his stellar domestic season. Meanwhile, Abbas, a 21-year-old middle-order batter and left-arm medium-fast bowler, also from the Firebirds, earns his maiden call-up. Born in Pakistan, Abbas moved to New Zealand with his family as a child. His father, Azhar Abbas, played first-class cricket in Pakistan before representing Auckland and Wellington and now serves as an assistant coach for the Firebirds.
Auckland Aces’ young leg-spinner Adi Ashok has also been included in the squad after making his ODI debut against Bangladesh in December 2023. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith, with Matt Henry missing out due to ongoing rehabilitation for his shoulder and knee injuries.
Notably, Kane Williamson has made himself unavailable for selection, while Kyle Jamieson, who played in the recent T20I series against Pakistan, has been rested as selectors manage his workload following the ICC Champions Trophy.
The ODI series, following New Zealand’s T20I engagements with Pakistan, will take place on March 29 in Napier, April 2 in Nelson, and April 5 in Christchurch.
