Muhammad Abbas Joins New Zealand Squad
Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly's maiden call-ups add a new dimension to the squad, and their performances will be closely watched. The team's preparations for the 2026 ICC ODI World Cup are underway, and this series will be an important step in their journey.
New Zealand Cricket has announced a 13-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, starting on March 29, with Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly earning their maiden call-ups. The squad will be led by Tom Latham in the absence of Mitchell Santner, and Mitch Hay has been named as the backup wicketkeeper.
Abbas, a 21-year-old allrounder, has been selected for his performances in the Ford Trophy and is considered one of the most skilled all-format batsmen in New Zealand's domestic cricket. He can also bowl left-arm seam and add depth to the attack. The selection manager, Sam Wells, stated that the series is an opportunity to test out bench players ahead of the 2026 ICC ODI World Cup.
The squad includes only eight members from the team that reached the Champions Trophy final earlier this month, with Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson being ruled out due to workload management. Matt Henry is injured and will miss the series. Nick Kelly, a 31-year-old batsman, has been rewarded for his impressive domestic performances, scoring over 1300 runs in the season across formats.
The series against Pakistan will provide a great opportunity for the new players to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. With the 2026 ICC ODI World Cup in mind, the team will be looking to test out different combinations and strategies to ensure they are well-prepared for the tournament.