Pakistan Tour of New Zealand 2025 Squad, Schedule & Match Details
Pakistan’s cricket team is set to tour New Zealand in 2025 for an exciting series featuring T20 and ODI matches. This tour is crucial as it allows Pakistan to prepare for upcoming international tournaments. Fans are eager to see the Pakistan vs. New Zealand series’ final squad and match schedule.
Pakistan Squad for New Zealand Tour 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a strong squad for the New Zealand tour, with a mix of experienced players and young talents.
T20 Squad:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Hassan Nawaz
- Jahandad Khan
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Haris (WK)
- Mohammad Irfan Khan
- Umair Bin Yousuf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufiyan Muqeem
- Usman Khan
ODI Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Akif Javed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Mohammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Sufiyan Muqeem
- Tayyab Tahir
Pakistan vs. New Zealand 2025 Tour Schedule
Pakistan will play a series of five T20s and three ODIs against New Zealand. Below is the full match schedule:
T20 Series Schedule:
- 1st T20 – 16 March 2025, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 2nd T20 – 18 March 2025, University Oval, Dunedin
- 3rd T20 – 21 March 2025, Eden Park, Auckland
- 4th T20 – 23 March 2025, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- 5th T20 – 26 March 2025, Sky Stadium, Wellington
ODI Series Schedule:
- 1st ODI – 29 March 2025, McLean Park, Napier
- 2nd ODI – 2 April 2025, Seddon Park, Hamilton
- 3rd ODI – 5 April 2025, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Key Players to Watch
1. Babar Azam
Even though Babar Azam is not part of the T20 squad, his presence in the ODI team will be vital. His experience and ability to anchor the innings make him a key asset for Pakistan.
2. Mohammad Rizwan
Leading the ODI squad, Rizwan’s leadership skills and wicket-keeping abilities will play a significant role in Pakistan’s performance. His consistency with the bat will be crucial for the team’s success.
3. Shaheen Shah Afridi
As Pakistan’s top pacer, Shaheen will be an important player in the T20 squad. His ability to strike early and contain runs will be key against New Zealand’s strong batting lineup.
4. Haris Rauf
Known for his pace and aggressive bowling, Haris Rauf will be a crucial bowler in the T20 squad. His death-over bowling skills will be tested against New Zealand’s explosive hitters.
5. Salman Ali Agha
As the T20 captain, Salman Ali Agha has a great opportunity to showcase his leadership skills. His all-round abilities make him a valuable player for Pakistan.
Past Encounters Between Pakistan and New Zealand
Pakistan and New Zealand have a rich history of competitive cricket matches. Over the years, the two teams have faced each other in numerous bilateral series and ICC tournaments. Some of the most memorable encounters include:
- 2011 ICC World Cup Match: New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the group stage, with Ross Taylor scoring a brilliant century.
- 2018 Test Series in UAE: Pakistan lost the home series 2-1, with New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel spinning his team to victory in the first Test.
- 2021 T20 World Cup: Pakistan dominated New Zealand with an outstanding bowling performance, securing a crucial win in the group stage.
- 2023 ODI Series in Pakistan: Pakistan hosted New Zealand for a five-match ODI series, which ended in a thrilling contest.
These past encounters highlight the two teams’ intense rivalry and competitive spirit, making the 2025 tour even more exciting for fans.
What can you expect from Pakistan in New Zealand?
Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand is expected to be challenging, as New Zealand has always been a tough opponent at home. The fast and bouncy pitches will test Pakistan’s batters, especially in the T20 format. However, Pakistan has a strong bowling lineup that effectively exploits New Zealand’s conditions.
Pakistan’s key challenges will be:
- Adapting to New Zealand’s conditions: The fast pitches may trouble Pakistani batters, requiring strong technical skills.
- Bowling performance in death overs: Pakistan’s bowlers must execute their plans effectively against New Zealand’s power hitters.
- Fielding and fitness: New Zealand is known for its excellent fielding standards, and Pakistan must match their intensity on the field.
This series will also help Pakistan identify its best playing XI for the upcoming ICC tournaments, including the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan’s Strategy for Success
- For Pakistan to perform well in the series, they need to focus on the following strategies:
- Strong Opening Partnerships: The opening batters must provide a solid start to set the foundation for big scores.
- Middle-Over Acceleration: Players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should focus on rotating the strike while capitalizing on bad deliveries.
- Effective Bowling Attack: With bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, Pakistan must utilize their pace attack to dominate.
- Smart Captaincy: On-field strategies and decision-making by Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan will be crucial for Pakistan’s success.
Pakistan’s 2025 New Zealand Challenge
Pakistan Squad for New Zealand Tour 2025 is an exciting opportunity for cricket fans. With a strong squad and a well-balanced team, Pakistan will look to perform well in T20s and ODIs. Fans will eagerly watch how the new players perform under pressure and how the team adapts to New Zealand’s conditions.
This series will provide entertainment and serve as a preparation ground for upcoming global tournaments. If Pakistan can overcome its challenges, it has a great chance to dominate New Zealand in its home conditions.
Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and live analysis of Pakistan vs. New Zealand 2025!
