New Zealand name squad for Pakistan ODIs

New Zealand late on Monday announced its squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan.

Interestingly, the squad includes a Pakistani-origin cricketer, Mohammad Abbas, who is likely to debut in the three-match series.

Tom Latham is appointed as the captain.

Abbas is the son of former first-class cricketer Azhar Abbas, who played in Pakistan and later represented Auckland and Wellington in domestic cricket.

Meanwhile, Azhar is currently serving as an assistant coach for Firebirds.

According to New Zealand Cricket, eight players from the squad that reached the ICC Champions Trophy final are included in the ODI lineup against Pakistan.

Moreover, the squad also includes: Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, and Mitchell Hay.

Additionally, Nick Kelly, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and Will Young have been named in the team.

Key players Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips will be unavailable due to their commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The series is set to commence from March 29. The second match is on April 2 and the final game will be played on April 5.

New Zealand have already clinched the T20 series against Pakistan, with one match remaining.