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

Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the first ODI of the tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, February 8.

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Pakistan are coming into this series on the back of a 3-0 series win away from home against South Africa in December 2024. They are one of the strongest teams in this particular format moving into the Champions Trophy.

On the other hand, New Zealand drew the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at home by 1-1 in January 2025. The Mitchell Santner-led side would be eagerly aiming to start off the tri-series on a positive note against strong Pakistan, led by Rizwan.

PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Match Details

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Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st ODI

Time & Date: 2:30 PM IST, Saturday, February 8

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

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PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Pitch Report

The last ODI played at this venue was between Bangladesh and Pakistan in September 2023 when the latter came out on top by seven wickets. The Lahore surface usually assists batters while spinners will get decent momentum in the middle overs.

PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Probable XIs

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c and wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammed Hasnain.

New Zealand

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke.

PAK vs NZ, 1st ODI Match Winner Prediction

Match Winner: Pakistan

In the last five matches played between these two sides in this format, Pakistan secured four wins while New Zealand could bag only one victory. With home momentum on their side, we can expect Men in Green to come out on top and start off the tri-series on a winning note.

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