Cricket Match Prediction | Pakistan vs New Zealand | 1st ODI | Feb 08 – Let’s see who will win the 1st match.

PAK vs NZ Match Analysis

Pakistan and New Zealand will play each other in the 1st match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, on February 08, 2025, at 3:00 PM BST at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

In their last match, Pakistan secured a 36-run victory over South Africa in the rain-affected third ODI in Johannesburg, defending 308/9 in 47 overs. A strong batting display set the tone before their bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, restricted South Africa to 271 in 42 overs.

In their last match, New Zealand struggled in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, collapsing to 150 in just 29.4 overs while chasing 291 in Auckland. Their batting faltered under pressure as Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated, securing a commanding 140-run victory to seal the series.

PAK vs NZ Team Preview & Squads

Pakistan

Pakistan is expected to go all out on a hard, shiny, and bouncy wicket, unleashing their four express-pace bowlers in the opening game of the Tri-Nation Series. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi will take the new ball, with Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain providing support as first-change options. Known for their aggression and wicket-taking ability, PAK’s pacers can be expensive if batters settle in. 

Babar Azam, currently struggling for form, will view this match as a chance to regain confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy. Alongside Saud Shakeel, Imran Khan, and captain Mohammad Rizwan, he could lead Pakistan to a strong total on Saturday.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

New Zealand 

New Zealand has already found success in ODI cricket in 2025, despite a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka in the final match of their January series. 

They secured convincing wins in the first two games, triumphing by nine wickets and 113 runs. The Black Caps are expected to approach this match and the entire series with full commitment, aiming to get their squad in top form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. 

A key selection dilemma surrounds Tom Latham’s place, though Will Young will likely partner Rachin Ravindra at the top. NZ boasts several right-arm pacers with the ball, but Matt Henry stands out as the in-form bowler in domestic and international cricket.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Will Young, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Will O’Rourke, Mitchell Santner.

Pakistan vs New Zealand outfield report

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

We anticipate that both captains will prefer to bowl first before this match since the side that fields first and chases a target in the second innings of the match has won four of the last six ODIs in Lahore. In comparison to the days before and after, Saturday is predicted to be cloudier in Lahore. By the end of the game, the temperature will have dropped to the upper teens from its peak of 22 degrees at the beginning. With spinners mostly utilized to reduce the tempo of the runs, we anticipate a hard and true surface. The goal for whoever bats first is to reach a minimum of 285.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five encounters, New Zealand has won one and Pakistan has won four.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict Pakistan has a 51% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.