Tom Latham to lead New Zealand in ODI series against Pakistan

Tom Latham of New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Following the end of New Zealand’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, the Black Caps will be traveling to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series, which will be followed by a five-match ODI series. Making his return to the T20 setup, Latham was announced as the skipper of New Zealand for the T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

In a recent development, the 31-year-old will also be leading his side for the five-match ODI series against Pakistan. The first match of the series will be played on April 26, and the visitors will be keen on coming out as winners in preparation for the ODI World Cup that is scheduled to be held in the latter stages of 2023.

The 15-man squad that will be traveling to Pakistan will feature a plethora of new names. Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, and many others would be eager to get experience with the national team. The mixture of young talent and veterans in the squad makes for a potent combination that could make them a force to be reckoned with in the series.

They are a tough team no matter where you take them on: Gary Stead on facing Pakistan

Ahead of the start of the T20I and ODI series against Pakistan, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead recently came forward to talk about facing the Men in Green over 10 matches.

“We’ve enjoyed a number of exciting matches against Pakistan across both white-ball formats in the last season at home and away. They are a tough team no matter where you take them on,” Stead was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket.

“The successful ODI Series earlier this year in Pakistan provided big learning opportunities for the players, and having more ODI match experience is fantastic in a World Cup year,” he said.

“Having someone with Saqlain’s experience is a big boost for the group, and we are looking forward to the insights he can offer us to aid our preparations for local conditions, and in particular the assistance he can provide to our spin bowling group,” he concluded.