Pakistan Set to Host New Zealand and South Africa in Exciting ODI Tri-Series
Pakistan is gearing up to host New Zealand and South Africa in a much-anticipated ODI tri-series, marking a significant return to international cricket after a long break. Each team will play against the others once, providing an excellent opportunity to prepare for the Champions Trophy, which kicks off on February 19.
Game Venues and Team Updates
The series will take place in the recently upgraded stadiums in Lahore and Karachi. This move aims to demonstrate Pakistan’s readiness to host the upcoming Champions Trophy. While India will be playing all its matches in Dubai, the other teams will be competing in Pakistan.
The Pakistani squad is entering the series with players in top form, although they will miss Saim Ayub due to an injury that has prevented his recovery in time for the tournament.
New Zealand is particularly focused on the condition of their pace bowler, Lockie Ferguson, as he joins the squad for the tri-series. Meanwhile, South Africa faces a challenge as seven players from their Champions Trophy roster are currently engaged in the SA20 league. These players—Marco Jansen, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs—will join the team following the SA20 finals, which occur just before the series concludes on February 14.
Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj are set to join South Africa before their second match against Pakistan, adding to the excitement of this competitive series.
Here are the squads for the tri-series:
Pakistan:
- Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
New Zealand:
- Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
South Africa:
- Temba Bavuma (C), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne.
Schedule:
- February 8, 2025: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st ODI – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore at 2:30 PM IST
- February 10, 2025: New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd ODI – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore at 2:30 PM IST
- February 12, 2025: Pakistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI – National Stadium, Karachi at 2:30 PM IST
- February 14, 2025: Final – National Stadium, Karachi at 2:30 PM IST (teams to be confirmed).
How to Watch in India
Cricket fans in India can catch the live action of the tri-series on the Sony Sports Network. Additionally, matches will be available for livestreaming on the Sony LIV app and website.
The excitement is building for this thrilling tri-series as Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa prepare to battle it out ahead of the Champions Trophy!
