NZ vs PAK Prediction, 1st ODI, Match Winner, Team, Playing XI and Pitch Report

New Zealand will cross swords with Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series at McLean Park in Napier on Friday, March 29.

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New Zealand is coming into this contest after losing to India in the ICC Champions Trophy Final in Dubai. Their only losses in the mega event came against India twice. 

On the other hand, Pakistan suffered defeats against India and New Zealand in the showpiece event to bow out of the competition. Both these sides would be aiming to start off the series on a winning note.

NZ vs PAK, 1st ODI Match Details

Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st ODI

Time & Date: 3:30 AM IST, Friday, March 29

Venue: McLean Park, Napier

NZ vs PAK, 1st ODI Pitch Report

The Napier surface is expected to assist batters right from the powerplay overs. We can expect spinners to dominate the proceedings in the middle overs. Also, the new ball bowlers can generate good enough lateral movement initially in the powerplay.

NZ vs PAK, 1st ODI Probable XIs

New Zealand

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Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Muhammad Abbas, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), William O'Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears.

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah.

NZ vs PAK, 1st ODI Winner Prediction

Match Winner: New Zealand

These two sides have played a total of 119 ODIs against each other. While Pakistan secured 61 victories, New Zealand could win only 54 games, with three contests ending in a no-result. 

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However, Pakistan could win away from home only 15 ODIs, while New Zealand won 31 ODIs at home. That said, we can expect the Black Caps to come out on top quite convincingly.

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