As Pakistan gears up to face New Zealand in the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) on February 8, 2025, the historical statistics suggest a slight edge for Pakistan in the contest.
Pakistan has won 61 of the 116 ODIs played between the two teams, giving them a win probability of approximately 54%.
The match, which is part of a tri-nation series, is set to take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with a scheduled start time of 2:00 PM local time. Pakistan will look to capitalize on their favorable record against New Zealand as they aim to start the series on a strong note.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s leading batsman in ODIs against New Zealand, has amassed 906 runs and is just 94 runs short of reaching the milestone of 1,000 runs against the Kiwis. His consistency and ability to anchor the innings make him a crucial player for Pakistan. Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell stands out as New Zealand’s key batsman, having delivered consistent performances against Pakistan in past encounters.
On the bowling front, Matt Henry leads for New Zealand with 28 wickets in ODIs against Pakistan. Pakistan’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, who has proven to be a formidable bowler against New Zealand. His ability to swing the ball and take early breakthroughs will be vital for Pakistan’s chances.
Pakistan’s team management will be keen to build on their historical dominance and secure another victory to maintain momentum in the series. With home advantage and a well-balanced squad, Pakistan will look to put New Zealand under pressure right from the start.
As cricket enthusiasts anticipate a thrilling contest, both teams will aim to put their best foot forward. Pakistan’s blend of experience and emerging talent makes them strong contenders, while New Zealand’s resilience and depth in their squad will keep the match competitive. Fans across Pakistan will be eager to see their team triumph in front of a home crowd, setting the tone for the rest of the series.