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NAPIER: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed remained optimistic about Men in Green’s chances in the ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Saturday here at the McLean Park.
This will be Pakistan’s first ODI series after a dismal Champions Trophy 2025 performance.
Aqib remained positive about the outcome of the ODI series despite Green Shirts’ 4-1 defeat against New Zealand in the five T20Is.
He mentioned New Zealand’s favourable conditions as vital for Pakistani bowlers.
“The pitches here are similar to those in Australia and South Africa, where our fast bowlers dominated ”
The head coach welcomed senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan into the ODI setup, stating, “If we can restrict them under 200, our experienced batting lineup, with Babar [Azam] and Rizwan back in ODIs, should secure good results.”
The 51-year-old highlighted Haris Rauf’s performance in the T20I series and asserted that he is the best option in these conditions.
“Even though we lost in the T20Is here, Haris proved why he’s the best option in these conditions, ” he remarked.
Aqib Javed stressed stability in the team after the addition of senior players while calling the ODI team settled.
“We carried four senior batters—Babar, Rizwan, Abdullah [Shafique], and Imam [Ul Haq]—because they provide stability. While we are making changes in T20s, our ODI setup is settled, ” he added.
Aqib Javed commented on Pakistan’s struggles during the Champions Trophy, emphasizing flat surfaces, but he remained hopeful about the team’s combination.
“We struggled on flat pitches in the Champions Trophy, but we have the right players for different conditions, ” he concluded.
Pakistan’s ODI squad against New Zealand: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan.
