ABU DHABI 6 November 2018: Pakistan return to Zayed Cricket Stadium at 3pm on Wednesday for their first ODI against New Zealand, with the aim of continuing their impeccable form, following their whitewashing of the Kiwis in the Pakistan-New Zealand T20I series, and their dominance over the Aussies last month.
Kane Williamson’s side will be looking to strike back against an in-form Pakistan, given that they are ranked as the third best ODI team by the ICC, in comparison with Pakistan’s fifth place.
Both sides will be looking to prove themselves in the 50-over format, and will be using it as a key litmus test ahead of next summer’s World Cup, in which the best cricketing sides will be fighting it out for the ultimate sporting glory.
During the two team’s last clash in Abu Dhabi at their first T20I match, Pakistan sneaked a narrow two run victory, leaving New Zealand fans hungry for a win against their subcontinental hosts.
The 38 year old Mohammed Hafeez will be returning for his 201st ODI, having had a leave of absence from the Pakistani ODI team. Having shown good form during all three of the T20Is, and having been awarded Man of the Match after the Abu Dhabi T20I, Hafeez will be joining the Pakistani squad on Wednesday.
In spite of a string of losses in the most recent T20Is, New Zealand will be feeling more confident given their form in the one day game.
The Kiwis will be feeling the loss of opening batsman Martin Guptill, who was ruled out of the UAE tour following an injury to his calf.
In his place, Glenn Phillips will be coming onto the pitch for his debut ODI, and the opening batsman will be looking to impress at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
This will be the first of three ODIs between these two international cricketing teams, with the first two being fought out in the nation’s capital. Both sides are urging fans to get down to Zayed Cricket Stadium for Wednesday night to see this first one day clash between these two global giants of the game.
Gates open at 1pm; with play starting at 3pm. Tickets can be bought from UAE Exchange, Al Ghurair Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, KM Trading, as well as q-tickets.com.