Pakistan and New Zealand will take on each other in the first match of the tri series between them and South Africa. The match is set to take place on the 8th of February at 2:30 PM (IST) at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both the teams have some of the best players in the world in their lineup. One can expect a good contest between bat and ball.
While New Zealand has star players like Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Lockie Ferguson, and others, Pakistan boasts of some popular players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Harris Rauf, and others. Both Pakistan and New Zealand have had success in ODIs in the last few months and start as the favourites to make it to the final of the series.
Here are the three bowlers who could shine in the first match of the tri-series –
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi is one of the best bowlers in the world. He has a natural outswinger whose angle can trouble even the best batters in the world. Afridi can swing the ball at a high pace with the new ball and can execute yorkers at the death. He is a wicket-taker upfront and can change the complexion of a match in a spell of a few overs.
Shaheen has not been at his best in the last couple of years. But a longer run as a bowler in ODIs could help his confidence and form. The tri-series and the Champions Trophy will act as the best platform for him to return to form. His challenge would be to operate at a good pace and claim wickets against two good visiting sides ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Matt Henry
Matt Henry has been the best ODI bowler in 2025 so far. In the series against Sri Lanka, the right-arm pacer ran through the visiting side in all three games and was instrumental in helping his side claim a win. In 3 matches, Henry has 9 wickets at a sensational bowling average of 10.33, an exceptional economy of 3.72, and a bowling strike rate of 16.66.
Henry claimed 4 wickets twice in the series and helped his side. He can bowl well in the Powerplay overs and return later with the older ball to deliver the goods at the death. Matt can operate at a good pace and can swing the ball. He can move the ball off the surface and cause trouble to the batters. Pakistani batters might be troubled by him.
Naseem Shah
Naseem Shah is one of the best ODI bowlers in the world. The right-arm pacer is arguably Pakistan’s best bowler in the format. His absence from the ODI World Cup 2023 was a clear blow to their chances as they could not qualify for the semifinal. Naseem can trouble the best batters in the world.
Shah can swing and seam the ball. He has a natural outswinger and can extract a bit of seam off the surface. When in flow, it’s very difficult to survive his spell. Especially with the new ball, he can take a lot of wickets. He is one of the most economical bowlers in the world and can make a difference by stopping runs.
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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