New Zealand has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against Pakistan, with Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly receiving their first international call-ups. The duo’s inclusion comes as the Black Caps aim to build squad depth ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
New Faces in the Squad
Muhammad Abbas, a promising 21-year-old batter and part-time left-arm seamer, and 31-year-old Nick Kelly, a dynamic top-order batter, have been rewarded for their impressive performances in New Zealand’s domestic competitions.
Abbas, known for his ability to play spin bowling, is regarded as one of the most talented young batters in the country. In February, he scored his maiden List A century against Central Districts. His father, Azhar Abbas, a former Pakistan seamer, is currently the assistant coach for Wellington.
Kelly, on the other hand, has been a standout performer in recent domestic seasons. In the 2023-24 Ford Trophy, he scored 320 runs at a strike rate of over 100 and leads the Plunket Shield run charts with 749 runs in 14 innings at an average of 57.61, including four centuries. He also has international franchise experience, having played for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead praised both players, stating:
“Nick has been a very strong domestic player for the last few years and fully deserves his spot. We’re excited to see what he can offer at the top of the order. Mo Abbas is a very exciting young talent with the added bonus of his left-arm seam option.”
Notable Absentees and Other Changes
Kane Williamson has made himself unavailable for the series, while Kyle Jamieson will also miss the ODIs as part of a workload management plan after featuring in the Champions Trophy and recent T20I series against Pakistan.
Matt Henry, New Zealand’s pace-bowling spearhead, remains sidelined as he continues to rehabilitate from a shoulder and knee injury. In their absence, Will O’Rourke will lead the seam attack, supported by Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith.
Adithya Ashok, a 22-year-old Auckland leg-spinner, has also been recalled to the side. He is viewed as a potential successor to Ish Sodhi in white-ball cricket and impressed during the Ford Trophy, where he took 10 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate under five.
With Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra occupied by the IPL, Ashok will form a new-look spin duo alongside Michael Bracewell, who will return to the ODI squad after leading the Black Caps in the T20I series.
Tom Latham will captain the ODI squad, with Mitch Hay, fresh from an unbeaten 86 in the Ford Trophy final, included as the backup wicketkeeper.
A Chance to Build Squad Depth
The New Zealand selectors view this series as an ideal opportunity to test new players and broaden the talent pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
Sam Wells, New Zealand’s selection manager, emphasized the importance of developing fringe players:
“With the next ICC ODI event still two and a half years away, this series is a perfect opportunity to introduce new talent to international cricket. Nick and Mo have earned their spots with their consistent performances, and we’re eager to see how they adapt.”
Luke Ronchi, New Zealand’s batting coach, expressed excitement about the debutants:
“They’ve been in great form, and now it’s their chance to showcase their skills on the international stage. Our message is simple—play the way that got you here and enjoy the experience.”
Coaching Staff Adjustments
While Stead and Ronchi will lead the coaching team, regular bowling coach Jacob Oram will be on a break. Graeme Aldridge, the NZC development coach, will take over bowling duties during the series.
This series will be New Zealand’s first ODI assignment since reaching the Champions Trophy final, and nationally contracted players were given priority over other candidates like Jimmy Neesham, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert, who were not selected.
New Zealand ODI Squad Against Pakistan
- Tom Latham (capt, wk)
- Muhammad Abbas
- Adithya Ashok
- Michael Bracewell
- Mark Chapman
- Jacob Duffy
- Mitch Hay (wk)
- Nick Kelly
- Daryl Mitchell
- Will O’Rourke
- Ben Sears
- Nathan Smith
- Will Young
With a mix of experienced players and exciting newcomers, the Black Caps are focused on building depth and shaping the future of their ODI team as they begin preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
