NZ vs PAK, The cricketing world is abuzz as Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa gear up for an exciting ODI tri-series in Pakistan. The series kicks off with the first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 8, 2025, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. As fans eagerly anticipate this clash, many are keen to assemble the perfect Dream11 fantasy cricket team. In this article, we’ll provide insights and suggestions to help you craft a winning lineup for the PAK vs NZ 1st ODI.
Match Details: NZ vs PAK
- Fixture: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, 1st ODI
- Date: February 8, 2025
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Time: 2:00 PM local time
🚨The tickets for Champions Trophy 2025 opener between Pakistan and New Zealand have been completely sold out.🔥
— Salman 🇵🇰 (@SalmanAsif2007) January 28, 2025
– It will be a houseful in Karachi on 19th February.🤩 pic.twitter.com/R53i0KVVsh
Pitch Report:
Gaddafi Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface, offering consistent bounce and carry. Historically, teams batting first have posted competitive totals, with the pitch slowing down slightly in the second innings, aiding spinners. Captains winning the toss might prefer to bat first to capitalize on the favorable batting conditions.
Weather Forecast:
The weather in Lahore on match day is expected to be clear and pleasant, with temperatures around 22°C (72°F). There is minimal chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted game.
Probable Playing XIs:
Pakistan:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Usman Khan
- Babar Azam (c)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Khushdil Shah
- Agha Salman
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Usama Mir
New Zealand:
- Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson (c)
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Mitchell Santner
- Michael Bracewell
- Jacob Duffy
- Lockie Ferguson
- Matt Henry
Top Picks for Dream11 Fantasy Team:
Batsmen:
- Babar Azam: The Pakistani skipper is renowned for his consistency in ODIs, boasting an impressive average and a knack for anchoring the innings.
- Kane Williamson: New Zealand’s captain is a class act, adept at handling various bowling attacks and building crucial partnerships.
- Fakhar Zaman: An aggressive opener, Fakhar can provide a fiery start, putting pressure on the opposition early on.
All-rounders:
- Agha Salman: A valuable asset for Pakistan, Salman contributes with both bat and ball, and his off-spin could exploit the Lahore pitch conditions.
- Mitchell Santner: Santner offers control with his left-arm spin and is handy with the bat in the lower order, making him a dual threat.
Wicketkeepers:
- Mohammad Rizwan: Beyond his proficient wicketkeeping, Rizwan’s recent form with the bat has been exceptional, making him a top pick.
- Tom Latham: A reliable middle-order batsman, Latham’s experience and stability can anchor New Zealand’s innings effectively.
Bowlers:
- Shaheen Afridi: Known for his lethal opening spells, Shaheen’s ability to swing the new ball makes him a constant threat to top-order batsmen.
- Lockie Ferguson: With express pace and sharp bouncers, Ferguson can rattle batsmen and is a genuine wicket-taking option for New Zealand.
Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team:
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Babar Azam (c)
- Kane Williamson (vc)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Devon Conway
- Agha Salman
- Mitchell Santner
- Shaheen Afridi
- Lockie Ferguson
- Haris Rauf
- Matt Henry
Captaincy Options:
- Captain: Babar Azam – The Pakistani skipper is renowned for his consistency in ODIs, boasting an impressive average and a knack for anchoring the innings.
- Vice-Captain: Kane Willamson – New Zealand’s captain is a class act, adept at handling various bowling attacks and building crucial partnerships.
Other than these two, Rachin Ravindra is also a good option for C or Vc.
Final Thoughts:
Selecting the right combination for your Dream11 team requires a balance of in-form players, pitch conditions, and match dynamics. Given the batting-friendly nature of the Gaddafi Stadium pitch, prioritizing top-order batsmen and versatile all-rounders could be advantageous. Remember to monitor any last-minute team news or injuries before finalizing your lineup. Enjoy the thrilling contest between Pakistan and New Zealand, and may your fantasy team score big!