Islamabad, 28 March 2025: Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aqib Javed, has outlined a strategy to limit New Zealand’s batting to under 200 runs in the upcoming three-match ODI series.
The series, set to begin on March 29 in Napier, follows a 4-1 defeat for Pakistan in the T20I series before they were excluded from the Champions Trophy 2025 at home
Ahead of the first ODI, Javed shared his optimism about the conditions in New Zealand, suggesting they could benefit from fast bowlers.
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The former pacer noted similarities between the pitches in New Zealand and those in Australia and South Africa, where Pakistan’s pace attack had previously performed well.
He emphasized that the team’s objective would be to restrict the hosts to a low total, believing that the return of experienced batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan could help deliver positive results.
Addressing the inclusion of Haris Rauf in the squad, Javed pointed out that the fast bowler had proven to be the best choice in these conditions despite Pakistan’s struggles in the T20Is.
The 1992 World Cup winning squad member expressed confidence in the ability of right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf to make an impact in the ODIs.
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Javed also highlighted the importance of experienced batters, explaining that Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, and Imam-ul-Haq had been included to provide stability to the lineup.
While Pakistan was experimenting with different combinations in the shortest format of the game, he reassured that their ODI setup remained well-structured
Following the opening match in Napier, the second ODI will be held in Hamilton on April 2, while the final game of the series is scheduled for April 5 in Mount Maunganui.
The Men in Green are under the scanner after poor performance in champions trophy 2025 and now a 4-1 defeat in T20I series.
