Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa will be taking on each other in a tri-series ahead of the Champions Trophy. Each team will face their opponents once and the two teams with the most wins and a better net run rate will play the final. The 4-match tri-series will be the first of its kind in ODIs in a long time. The revival of the tri-series might also help ODIs to get more attention than they are currently getting.
The first match of the series is set to take place between Pakistan and New Zealand on the 8th of February. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the match at 2:30 PM (IST). Both the teams have had a good time in ODIs in the last few months. They have some of the best players in the world and would be hoping to win the tri series to make a statement ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 later this month.
Here are the three batters who could shine in the match between Pakistan and New Zealand –
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman is one of the best ODI batters in the world. The Southpaw is aggressive by nature and can go bonkers at the top against some of the best bowling attacks in the world. The last time he faced New Zealand in an ODI, Fakhar made a sublime 126*(81) in the ODI World Cup in 2023 which included 8 fours and 11 sixes.
Fakhar is someone who can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of a few overs. Zaman has a good game against both pacers and spinners. He will be the replacement of Sami Ayub who got ruled out of the Tri-series and the Champions Trophy 2025 due to an injury. Zaman might be more important for Pakistan than ever.
Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra was the emerging ODI batter of 2023 and continued the momentum in 2024 where he succeeded in Tests. In the longer formats, he has established himself in the Kiwi lineup. In the ODI WC 2023, Rachin emerged as one of the best batters of the tournament. He smashed Pakistan in Bengaluru in the tournament.
In the match where Zaman’s knock overshined Kiwi’s loss, Rachin blasted a 94-ball 108 which included 15 fours and a six. It came against an attack consisting of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim. Rachin can bat aggressively as an opener and even come a position down at number 3 to play the role of an anchor.
Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell was arguably the best batter of the ODI WC 2023 in the middle order. He ended 2023 on a high and proved himself as a terrific batter in the middle overs phase. Mitchell can smash the spinners for fun without taking much time to settle in the middle. He can also face the pacers well against the old ball in the later half of the innings.
Daryl is New Zealand’s best ODI batter currently and might need some time to get into the groove ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. The tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa might act as a good chance for him to return to form. Playing against a good Pakistani attack in their conditions might help him to know what to expect for the rest of the month.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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