Iftikhar Ahmed has been called up to Pakistan’s ODI squad for the remaining three matches against New Zealand in Karachi, stepping in for Haris Sohail who was sidelined by a shoulder injury during a fielding drill.
The Pakistani team, currently leading the five-match series 1-0 after a five-wicket victory in the first ODI, is due to head to Karachi on Sunday. The win was largely due to an impressive century by opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman.
New Zealand, however, has been putting up a strong fight. Despite missing eight key players, including team captain Kane Williamson, they managed to level the preceding five-match T20 series 2-2. Acting captain, Tom Latham, led the team to rebound from a 2-0 deficit and secure wins in the third and fifth matches. The fourth match was rained out.
Pakistan’s ODI team, led by Babar Azam, has a solid track record with five wins out of the seven series under his captainship. Yet, the team’s history with New Zealand has been less than stellar, with five losses and one draw in their last six ODI series. Their most recent defeat was on home soil in 2011.
The ODI matches in Karachi are set for May 3, 5, and 7. These games hold significant importance as they come on the heels of New Zealand’s abrupt departure from their planned tour in Pakistan in September 2021 due to security concerns. However, the Black Caps returned to play two Tests and three ODIs just three months later.
